‘Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.’ Proverbs 11:14 NKJV
An African proverb warns that too many cooks spoil the soup. Conversely, another saying states that three good heads are better than one. These proverbs together highlight the importance of community and having the right people by your side: a few wise and capable individuals lead to better results, while too many indiscriminate contributors can be detrimental (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10).
As believers, one of the ways God guides and directs our lives is through the counsel, encouragement, and wisdom of other believers. Our anchor scripture informs us of the importance of good counsel – it brings safety to the believer.
A good example is found in Exodus 18:13-27. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, saw Moses struggling to handle all the judicial matters alone. He advised Moses to appoint capable men to help, making leadership more effective. This illustrates the safety in counsel, showing how God uses others to offer His wisdom in our lives.
Another way God leads through other believers is by revealing inconsistencies in our lives. As members of one body, we have the privilege and responsibility to call one another to order (Galatians 6:1-3). After David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him (2 Samuel 12:1-14).
Paul’s confrontation of Peter for his hypocrisy in Galatians 2:11-14 is also an example of how God uses fellow believers to provide correction and guidance, ensuring our actions are consistent with our profession of faith.
Sometimes, emotional investment in a matter can hinder open-mindedness when seeking direction in prayer. During such times, your brothers and sisters in Christ can provide the objectivity and clarity you might lack through the Spirit of God. God’s design for spiritual gifts is not for personal elevation but for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the community and the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:12).
The story of Ananias and Saul (Paul) in Acts 9 is another salient example of divine leading through another believer. God used Ananias to restore Saul’s sight and confirm his calling. Through other believers, God leads and affirms His direction. Sometimes, God places a conviction in our hearts and confirms it through the words or actions of other believers. For instance, the early church was led by the Holy Spirit to set apart Paul and Barnabas for missionary work, and it was confirmed through the fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands by other believers (Acts 13:1-3).
Know that your Father is a master communicator, able to lead you and confirm His Word to you. He ensures that His guidance is clear – through direct words, confirmations or other means.
He is always willing to lead you.
Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14: 32 – 72