Do you use common sense? Chapter 9 of Joshua describes a group of travelers who make their way into Israel’s camp. When Joshua asked where they were from they answered: “From a far off country, very far away.”  (Joshua 9:9) They continued: “This bread was warm from the oven when we packed it and left to come see you. Now look at it–crusts and crumbs. And our cracked and mended wineskins, good as new when we filled them. And our clothes and sandals, in tatters from the long, hard traveling.” (Joshua 9:12-13) It was necessary to ask questions because Father had commanded them to destroy all the people from the land He was giving them–to make it pure so they would not be tempted to follow their evil ways or their gods. 

“The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask God about it.” (Joshua 9:14) After all, they were intelligent enough to see the proof and put the facts together. It was obvious they had traveled long.

Are Christians that way today? Do we weigh the evidence we see along with what we hear to determine our next step? Have we forgotten, or did we ever learn in the first place that God’s ways and our ways are seldom–if ever–on the same path? If it makes sense to us is it something we should bother our Lord with or should we be mature enough to make a well-educated decision? If we become that mature God’s work may be given to others because we have forgotten to stand before Him–as little children who know nothing and must always seek guidance from our Father. He doesn’t want us to learn to do life without Him. 

Wicked people will set traps. The only way to make an informed decision is to ask of the One Who knows the past, present, and future.  He sees through the set-ups, the tricks, the lies. He gives good advice and is never bothered by your asking. While I complain that kids seem to be attached to me; I can’t turn around without bumping into one, Father is overjoyed by all of His children who latch onto Him seeking answer, after answer, after answer. He loves to share His insight with the inner circle of His family. Don’t do life on your own.