This brings us to our second lesson: Seek spiritual advice, especially in new situations.
The Israelites were told to follow all the rules and regulations set down for the Passover festival in the wilderness. Some were unclean because of a dead body. The rules for uncleanness and for cleansing are from the book of Leviticus, which sets down rules for sacrifices. Anyone who touches a dead body is ceremonially unclean and may not attend festivals until they have been cleansed; usually one was unclean until evening. “‘You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them.’” (Leviticus 15:31)
Those that were unclean because of a dead body asked Moses and Aaron what to do. They came right away. Seeking advice of our pastor or other spiritual authority when there is no precedent in God's Word is not only wise but also shows humility and godliness. The men wasted no time seeking this guidance, showing the observer that they were very interested in participating in the Passover and in following God’s Law. They attempted no shortcut, consulted no man, and accepted not their lot. Asking God what to do is always the best solution.
When was the last time you sought spiritual advice? Think about this. Did you follow the input you received?
If I am in a situation and I am not sure what God is telling me, I ask my husband, who is a pastor. I have found him to be very spiritually discerning. He can usually give an application from Scripture in most situations as well. Discussing situations and talking them through adds insight and objectivity. It is very hard to be objective about your own situation and problems. God can speak to us through another person, through His Word, or by impressing a thought on our heart. Sometimes when I am talking through a problem with a friend, I come to some conclusions myself. Just the simple process of discussing a situation can help clarify it in our minds. These men could have discussed the fact that they didn’t want to miss out on the festival and kicked around ideas for making it possible.
Moses took time to deliberate and listen for God’s word on the situation of the unclean men wanting to celebrate the Passover. This is another example for today’s believers: seek God’s will in every decision. Consult His Word and ask His guidance so you may make the decision that He is calling you to. If we are close to God and in His Word regularly, we may already have what we think is an obvious solution to our decision or dilemma. However, we should still pray. We want to ensure that we do not rely on our own wisdom or logic.
Is there a decision you are thinking over now? Whether it seems little or big, pray over the decision before you make it. Write down your current area of decision and pray over it. You may also want others to pray with you. If I ask others’ viewpoint according to Scripture, I can sometimes glean more perspective. We all think differently and discussing problems and/or decisions with others proves helpful in processing thoughts. Our final decision should give us peace in knowing it is God’s guidance for us.
Ask God to lead and guide you in the overall plan of your life, not just the decisions which are short term and right before Him. God loves to affirm our plans if we are seeking His will. When He uses others to speak into our lives and confirm a thought or leaning we have, we just need to verify their input by asking the Lord. God would never give us peace about a decision that would cause us to disobey Him. Every step we take should be in line with His Word and you should have peace about it. For example, one time I was on my own and someone advised me that I needed to get a job right away and put my three kids in day care but I was sure that was only a last resort. I am in the Word daily and pray throughout the day and I did not feel led at all to put the kids in child care at that time. Consequently, those were wonderful years of time with my kids and relying on God. My faith in God's provision has been a testimony in my life because throughout that period of time I was cared for in a supernatural way. My ability to live as a single mom for over seven years defies logic, as far as how we had all we needed and then some but I only worked part time. God is so good!
Funny how seeking spiritual advice and consulting the Word of God takes us right back to the first lesson of celebrating God's work in our lives! Praise the Lord.
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