“The king listened to them.” 2 Chronicles 24:17

It’s often a gradual, seductive turn. We come to a crossroad, a challenge, a loss and start listening to people’s advice. We can feel desperate to realign the course we are on when the future suddenly looks different.

This is not the time to abandon God. This is the moment we cling tighter than we ever have. 

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1: 2-4)

Our address can change, our income can be adjusted, birth and death can reshape the landscape of our future—but the voice of the Holy Spirit can never be replaced. There be no new fangled way to overcome the trials we face, no greater plan than the ones God has for those who love Him. In fact, we squander the extraordinary when we fall for the latest, surefire way to peace on earth.

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 10-11)