“The closer your walk with God, the clearer your understanding of God’s will.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 5, 2024
Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. Proverbs 11:14, MSG
Well…my friend and mentor Charlie made a wise decision by seeking a second opinion after receiving a message of no hope from his doctor. Just a few weeks ago, we were planning his funeral, but after meeting with another doctor prominent in his area of expertise…my friend’s hope for healing on earth was resurrected. After once again running a battery of tests and scans, the new doctor surmised an 85% chance of success in customizing stents for Charlie’s aorta to reinforce the compromised areas awaiting rupture at any time. As they whisked him to surgery, he nonchalantly yelled from the gurney, “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are”, a famous Jimmy Durante quote he would often close with at the end of his performances in the 1940’s. A second opinion and God’s grace gave Charlie a life encore to glorify God once more.
Whether in life or death, there is no downside to seeking a second opinion; in fact, as in Charlie’s case, there can be considerable upside. In life, it’s easy to lose our way when limited to just one way of thinking, so wisdom seeks a multitude of counselors. In the process of discernment, humility is often able to discover a thread of advice weaving its way through multi-faceted perspectives, as each conversation can have a unique value. Professionals in their field of expertise and mature followers of Jesus are a deep well of resources for a heart seeking to make the best decision. And those who love us the most have the most to gain or lose in our decision-making, so it is loving and respectful to gain their valuable input. Second opinions can help validate or, in some cases, dismiss first opinions. Prayerfully weigh all options and then decide.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).
Avoid the natural tendency to only ask advice from those you know will agree with you. It is better to be wounded by a faithful friend before a big decision than a friend’s patronizing words that lead you to disastrous outcomes from a half-baked idea. Early in the decision-making process, some pain is much better than prolonged pain that may follow an unwise choice. Emotions can be a friend or an enemy regarding wise decision-making. What if my friend Charlie had dismissed a second opinion out of fear and/or an unhealthy trust in one person? He avoided a death decision by having faith in the Great Physician to lead him to another physician with different experiences and more precise expertise. Emotions harnessed by the Holy Spirit can lead you to the Lord’s best choice. Second opinions may be the Lord’s way to answer prayer.
Most of all, commit all your thoughts and considerations to Christ and His plan for you. You have an eternal, all-wise, wonderful counselor in God Almighty. Who admonishes you…when wisdom is lacking…ask the Lord for wisdom, who gives generously. The more intimate your relationship with Jesus Christ, who is God’s wisdom, the more pervasive His influence is in your life. The closer your walk with God, the clearer your understanding of God’s will for your life. The further you walk away from the Lord, the higher the probability of making foolish decisions. The proximity of the prodigal son to his father at home led the young man to wake up far away, broke, living a shameful life. But God! But God is able to take foolishness and, in the power of His Spirit, transform sin and shame into forgiveness and love as His beloved child. Seek a wise second opinion before you potentially run ahead of God’s best. He blesses wise counsel.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, draw me close to your heart so I might gain a heart of wisdom through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
What decision are you facing that, in wisdom, requires a second opinion?
Related Reading
Job 12:12; Proverbs 2:6; Ephesians 5:15-16; James 3:13
Worship Resource
Pat Barrett feat. Jon Reddick & Franni Cash Cain: By The Spirit
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