I like to remind myself every day that God's ways and plans are best, and His timing is perfect. I've spent too many years trying to figure things out on my own, leaning on my own understanding, and seeing my plans fail. I've learned that the best way to succeed is to seek the Lord for His specific instructions in every circumstance, and then obey.

Throughout history God has been very faithful to give specific instructions to His people. He is a Master Architect, giving clear and precise instructions to Noah for building the ark (Genesis 6:14-16), to the Israelites to build the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27), and then the instructions to build the temple (I Kings 6). These instructions included what materials to use, precise dimensions and even furnishings.

Sometimes God's specific instructions have seemed strange or unusual. As the greatest military Commander-in-Chief, His battle plans didn't make sense. March around the great wall of Jericho for six days, then on the seventh day march around seven times with the priests blowing trumpets, give a loud shout, and the wall will fall (Joshua 6). Yet it happened as they obeyed God's strange instructions.

The battle plan given to cowering Gideon to save his people from the great Midianite army was just as strange. In Judges 7 God gave Gideon specific instructions on how to reduce his army down to 300 men. Then following subsequent orders from the Lord, these 300 men watched as God fought the battle and defeated the enemy without them even having to fight.

God proved himself to be Israel's Great Rescuer throughout their history. After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God gave Moses specific instructions on how to set his people free. Following ten horrific plagues and a miraculous escape, they found themselves trapped between the Egyptian Army and the Red Sea. Once again God's strange instructions to Moses delivered the Israelites straight through the sea (Exodus 14).

God also has proved himself to be a Faithful Provider by giving unusual instructions to those in need. During a time of extreme famine, God instructed the prophet Elijah where he was to go hide, and the ravens would bring him food. When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to a poor widow and miraculously provided flour and oil that did not run out for their meals (I Kings 17).

Likewise, the Lord miraculously provided for another poor widow and her family by giving the prophet Elisha instructions for her to follow that were strange but proved successful (2 Kings 4:1-7). After borrowing many empty jars from neighbors, her remaining small amount of oil filled all those jars to sell for their provision.

God's specific instructions bringing a successful outcome all had one thing in common. The person receiving the instructions, no matter how strange or unusual they were, had to obey them. And when they did, that's when God's miraculous power stepped in to bring the promised result. As we seek, listen and obey God's instructions, He will prove himself mighty on our behalf.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.