Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;
Satan tempted Eve to disobey God by saying, “You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
“You can decide for yourself good and evil/right and wrong.” Satan still uses that temptation today – we call it ‘logic‘! “What is the ‘smart’ thing to do?” “What will yield the best results?” The problem with that is, who decides what is ‘best‘?
We can sit down and write out a list of the ‘pros and cons’ of a course of action – (“Ẹwñ ki anìle kpáí ẹwñ ki ma n’ile n” – Igala for, “Things that are beneficial and things that are not.“) but who is doing the thinking?
God says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
The Creator and sustainer of the Universe knows what is best in EVERY situation! Noah was laughed at for building the ark. Moses was mocked for telling Pharoah to let the Jews go. Jesus dying on the cross seemed like defeat. But God was working out His perfect plans.
When Paul and Silas wanted to preach the gospel in Asia Minor, but they were, “Forbidden by the Holy Spirit.” And when they tried to go into Bithinia, “The Spirit of Jesus did not permit them.” (Acts 16:8-9) What they saw as opportunities, were not God’s plan for them, and they surrendered to His guidance.
I am not saying, “Abandon human logic!” God can and DOES use our thoughts; The problem is, Satan does too. So God has given us His Spirit of truth to guide us (John 16:13) Solomon wrote,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Think your course of action through – it would be foolish not to (Luke 14:28-32) – but always ask God for what He knows is best for the situation. (James 1:5)
HaShem my Madrikh – Lord my Guide – help me submit my ‘logic’ to Your wisdom.
When he had seen the vision, we immediately sought to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:10
Listen for His guidance,
Words of Encouragement 