Daily Devotional – Monday, September 21, 2026
Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.
Joshua 9:14 (NKJV)
Joshua and the other leaders of Israel faced a group of strangers who claimed to come from a distant country. The men wore worn sandals, patched clothes, and carried dry, crumbling bread. Their appearance supported their story, and the leaders accepted what they saw. Israel had already seen God grant them great victories, yet they made this decision based on their own judgement. They examined the evidence carefully, then moved ahead without asking the LORD for His counsel.
When Everything Looks Right
Three days later, the leaders discovered the truth. Gibeon was nearby, and the visitors had deceived them. Joshua had already made a treaty with them, so Israel had to live with the decision. The problem began before the deception became clear. The leaders had listened to the strangers, examined their supplies, and trusted their own conclusion. Everything seemed convincing at the time, but the failure was in not consulting God before making the decision.
Our key text exposes a weakness we all know. We often turn to God when a problem feels too big for us, yet handle the smaller decisions ourselves. Israel had seen God lead them through battles, so they knew where to turn for help. This decision looked simple, and they trusted their own judgement. The verse reminds us that our need for God does not depend on how difficult a situation appears. Even ordinary choices deserve His wisdom.
When a Good Decision Goes Wrong
We face similar moments in ordinary life. A business offer can look profitable, a job can arrive at the right time, or a new friendship can develop so easily that we stop asking questions. A person can speak with such confidence and warmth that we accept the story without looking deeper. We gather enough information to feel comfortable and then make our choice. Joshua’s experience is a reminder that we should keep God involved while we are still weighing the decision.
You may have already decided on something. However, before you give your answer, sign the agreement, spend the money, or make the move, take it to God. Ask Him for wisdom, check the facts, listen to people you trust, and search Scripture for direction. A few moments of prayer can sometimes reveal questions you had not considered. The Israelite leaders made their decision first and discovered the truth later. We can seek God before we make ours.
Prayer
Lord, when I feel sure about a decision, help me bring it to You before I act. Give me wisdom to see what I may have missed and courage to follow Your direction.
