The Pause That Changes Everything

Have you ever made a decision that seemed right in the moment, but later, you realized you never actually asked God about it? Maybe it was a relationship, an academic path, a job, or even something small that ended up carrying big consequences.

The book of Joshua gives us a story that feels surprisingly close to home. It’s a story about victory, deception, and the heavy weight of some of our choices. It reminds us how crucial it is to seek God’s guidance, not just when life feels uncertain, but in every decision we make.

The Story That Hits Home
So, Joshua and the Israelites were on a divine mission to conquer the Promised Land. They’d already seen God’s power at work, walls fell at Jericho, lessons were learned at Ai, and their confidence was high. Then came the Gibeonites.

These were people who feared what God was doing through Israel. So, out of desperation, they came up with a plan. They disguised themselves as travelers from a faraway land, wearing worn-out clothes, moldy bread, cracked wineskins, and pleaded for peace. And Joshua, along with the leaders, listened without asking God. The evidence looked convincing, and their story made sense. So they made a treaty with them.

But there’s one crucial line in Joshua 9:14 that changes everything: “Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but did not seek the Lord’s decision.” That verse always stops me in my tracks. They didn’t ask God. And honestly, how often do we do the same? We rely on our logic, our past experiences, or what feels right, without pausing to invite God into the conversation before making a decision.

When Good Intentions Miss God’s Direction


Three days later, the truth came out: the Gibeonites weren’t foreigners; they were neighbors. The Israelites had been deceived. They were bound by an oath they couldn’t undo.

Can you imagine Joshua’s frustration? The people’s disappointment? Yet, even in their mistake, Joshua and the leaders honored their word. They chose integrity, even when it was hard.

And here’s the beautiful twist: God still worked through their error. The Gibeonites were spared and given a serving role in the Lord’s house. What started as deception became an opportunity for grace and redemption.

That’s the God we serve. He doesn’t waste our failures. Even when we get it wrong, He can bring purpose and beauty out of our missteps.

Maybe you’re reading this and realizing there have been moments, big or small, where you moved ahead without asking God first. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of those decisions, wondering how to fix what feels broken.

Friend, take heart. God’s grace is big enough for every mistake. He doesn’t discard us when we get it wrong. Instead, He invites us to turn back, to seek Him again, and to walk forward in His wisdom.


So how can we make it a habit to seek God before we move? Here are a few simple but powerful practices:

1. Soak in Scripture:
God’s Word is our compass. When we let it shape our thoughts and desires, it becomes easier to recognize His direction.

2. Pray about everything:
Don’t wait until it’s “big enough” to bring to God. Talk to Him about every decision, every plan, every “what if.” He delights in being part of your process.

3. Seek godly counsel:
Sometimes God’s voice comes through wise friends or mentors who help us see what we might be missing.

4. Pay attention to peace:
The Holy Spirit often confirms God’s direction through peace—or unsettles our hearts when something’s not right.

5. Notice open and closed doors:
God can guide through circumstances too. Sometimes a closed door is His protection, not His punishment.

And remember, there are choices God has already made clear in His Word. We don’t need to pray about whether it’s okay to lie, gossip, or cheat on our spouse. As we grow closer to Him, His character begins to guide our conscience.

The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites isn’t just ancient history; it’s a mirror. It reminds us that our decisions ripple outward, affecting not just us but the people around us and even generations after us.

But it also reminds us of hope: that no mistake is too big for God’s mercy and grace. And, no decision is too small for His guidance.

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