Unsure? Ask & Listen

Unsure? Ask & Listen Hero Image

When faced with a tough decision, who do you ask first for advice? Some choose to make the decision on their own without asking anyone, some look to the Bible, some ask a friend, and some ask a mentor. Proverbs 13:20 explains the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise people to help us make wise decisions. As we continue studying discernment this month, we need to recognize the significance of asking and listening to wise counsel when we are unsure.

DISCERNMENT:  Seeking God’s direction before acting

MEMORY VERSE: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

This Week’s Finish Line: Ask and listen when you don’t know what to do

The story of Rehoboam is one of great tragedy in the Old Testament. Imagine being the grandfather of the strongest king Israel knew (David), then being the son of the wisest man to ever live (Solomon), then being the reason the kingdom of Israel split. What happened to make Rehoboam such a fool? In 1 Kings 12:1-15 we see his downfall: a lack of discernment. Rehoboam chose the wrong advisors to listen to (1 Kings 12:8), and as a result, the people rebelled and he lost over half of the kingdom of Israel.

Family Questions:

  1. Who was Rehoboam? (1 Kings 11:43)
  2. Who were the two groups of people Rehoboam asked for advice, and what did they say?
  3. Whose advice was wise? Why?
  4. What happens after Rehoboam makes his decision? (1 Kings 12:16)

Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:

* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.

TEACHER: Continue the Proverbs Challenge!

If you haven’t yet, print off the Proverbs Challenge this month! Don’t forget, in November there will be a cookie & donut party for the elementary kids who memorize all 10 verses! How far has your family made it on the road map? Can you match the pictures with each verse?

FRIEND: Board of Advisors

During driving time in the car this week, use the upcoming election and voting signs to talk about how leaders make decisions. Even the President has a whole team of advisors! What happens when politicians and leaders choose the wrong advisors? Is the same true in our own lives?

COUNSELOR: Who Can You Ask?

During bedtime this week, discuss with your child the importance of having wise counsel. Who are the wise people you can go to and ask for help in decisions? Go back to the story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12 and talk about why he should have listened to the wiser advice he was given.

COACH: Scenario Practice

One morning this week, brainstorm different scenarios when you and your children might need to ask for help. For example: if you get a rash on your leg, what do you do? If you’re stuck on a math problem, what do you do? If a friend is mean to someone at school, what do you do? Think of and talk through more situations throughout the week.

Prayer

Thank God for providing wisdom when we ask for it, and for providing people for us to ask to pray for us for wisdom too. Ask God for help this week in making decisions wisely.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will continue talking about discernment, and we will be looking at the story of Ananias in Acts 9:1-19. He chose God’s way and obeyed!

 Image via Flickr Creative Commons  

The post Unsure? Ask & Listen appeared first on Watermark Community Church Blog.