By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

During this week, I had a conversation with a man about his journey to establishing a church. For the past year, the road was filled with challenges, stressful moments and it surely at times took it’s toll on his family. Still the church is not showing any real growth. The man told me about the time he spends marketing his church and his frustration when only a few people pitched on a Sunday. I could not help wondering: Is this man perhaps spending more time marketing his church than spending time in God's presence, finding out what His vision and strategy for the church is? Is this man truly convinced that I AM called him into full-time ministry or was it merely "a good idea"? It is definitely not for me to judge, but it got me thinking.

In our own lives, we too sometimes get the order wrong. We make decisions about a relationship, to resign from a job and start our own business, about our finances, to move or perhaps to put our children in a different school. Instead of consulting God beforehand, we inform Him afterwards about a decision, hoping that He will bless it. If things do not go according to plan, we easy divert to: "But where is God? I did pray about it!"

The Psalmist realized the importance of consulting God first. In Psalm 27:11 he 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."  In Psalm 143: 10 we read: "Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground." In Proverbs 3: 5-7 the poet writes: "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." And in Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "... Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and He will give you all these things."

Think for a moment about the decisions in your life over the last few weeks - in the workplace, in terms of your family, finances, religion, health and relationships. Did you consult God or merely inform Him about your decisions? Do you make decisions daily with the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Remember, God knows the end from the beginning and He therefore knows about possible obstacles in your way. If we consult Him before we start, He is able to guide us with wisdom, past possible challenges, to reach our destination much faster. Let's therefore start seeking His Kingdom first and acknowledge Him in all our ways, so He can direct our steps. Be blessed. 

Father God, thank You that You know my future. Please help me to make wise decisions and help me to hear Your voice clearly in my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• ASSIGNMENT: Let’s deliberately start consulting rather than informing God about our decisions.

• FEEDBACK: Please send your feedback, evidence or questions on the topic to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Benescke