Dec '25 • General discussion
The million dollar question
Judges 18:5 ESV
“And they said to him, “Inquire of God, please, that we may know whether the journey on which we are setting out will succeed.”
Will what I am about to do actually work? How much would change if I knew the answer to that question before attempting anything?
In this chapter, a group of people still believed in God, have fallen off of the path directed of them to serve their own desires. They are seeking divine approval of what they are about to do. It seems like this is when you ask a question, but you don’t really want a conversation, you just want someone to agree with you so you feel better for what’s about to happen.
My focus can’t be locked into outcomes over the obedience that it takes to succeed. My growth doesn’t show up the end of a journey, it’s developed through every step that I take. My focus on ten steps ahead can’t be more important than the step right in front of me.
It was about 9th grade when I decided that I wanted to play college basketball. I loved the sport and I wanted to do whatever it took to make it. What if I asked from the start, ‘Will I succeed?’ If I was told yes, would I have actually done what it took to make it?
I wanted a goal that was 4 years away, but that objective was nothing compared to doing what was needed in the moment. How could I improve today to get ready for the next game? The contests years ahead don’t matter right now. Am I doing what it takes today? If so, then I have a chance to reach my goal; but if not, then I slip further away from that possibility.
The road I took towards a goal shaped who I am, the scholarship at the end didn’t do that. I know I chose an example that was just serving my desires, but consistent determination doesn’t just affect that one area. That quest wasn’t only fruitful it if I succeeded. I believe that if it didn’t work out in the end, it still would have been worth it. My heart was in the right place to desire to do the best that I can, and from that came the ability to remain consistent. Determination that shaped my ability to create time each day to write these devotions.
Earlier, it says that the people were, ‘doing what was right in their eyes.’ They knew the Lord was there, but this did not affect their decision making. How often do I turn to myself to figure out what is right rather than turn to prayer and communion with God?
I pray that I can focus on the process rather than worrying what the outcome will be. If my heart is in the right place, then the conclusion will take care of itself. I pray that I can do what it takes today!
0
0 comments
The million dollar question
