Years ago, while on Exercise Brace Lion in Norway, I witnessed a friend of mine embarrass himself. Sadly, he was a know-it-all with no experience to match his arrogance. He continually ignored his peers’ and superiors’ advice and guidance and never asked for help from his staff. His attitude was a recipe for disaster because you cannot lead or follow in the military without seeking or listening for guidance.
One morning, while eating breakfast, I watched an individual standing outside the mess tent fumbling with a map. At the same time, I noticed my friend walk towards the map holder. They exchanged a few words, and then my friend grabbed the map from the individual’s hands and began trying to orientate it himself. The individual who initially had the map walked away, entered the mess tent and sat with his friends. Within seconds of sitting down, he and his group burst into laughter. Wondering what was so funny, I walked towards my friend and asked him what he was doing, to which he replied, “Orienting the map”. (It should be noted that we were standing in a field surrounded by Norwegian Mountains). As I moved closer to my friend, I could not help but notice that he was trying to orientate a map of Wainwright Alberta to the Norwegian landscape.
Accepting guidance requires wisdom and discernment. We don’t have to receive guidance given. We can listen and then decide if it is appropriate for the situation. We must be aware of the one giving guidance because what we ask may be beyond their understanding or capability. In the book of Psalms, King David often turned to God for guidance, recognizing that human wisdom was limited compared to God’s omniscience. Psalm 32:8 captures this sentiment, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you”. This verse highlights God’s promise to guide and counsel His people in their journey.
My friend did not acknowledge his error, blaming the person from whom he took the map. Unfortunately, this Norwegian map orientation episode followed him from posting to posting, as did his habit of ignoring the counsel of others. Trying to do it alone is difficult and frustrating, making living more complicated especially when face with difficult decisions.
We have access to the greatest resource needed to navigate life and help us live it to the fullest. Don’t be stubborn and arrogant. Pray, asking to receive and recognize God’s guidance. Receiving and recognizing God’s guidance requires a heart attuned to His voice and willing to follow His leading.
- Pray for Wisdom and Discernment:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:5
- Pray for an Open Heart to God’s Leading:
“Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” – Psalm 119:35
- Pray for Clarity in Decision-Making:
“Make me know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.” – Psalm 25:4
- Pray for Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:26
- Pray for Patience in Waiting:
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” – Psalm 27:14
- Pray for Surrender to God’s Plan:
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3