Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - It's Time to Do Your Homework - #8339

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Download MP3 (right click to save)

Three little words that most kids dread and many parents love—back to school. Either way, there’s no doubt summer vacation’s about over and school is back, and that four-word harangue from parents of students across the country is back, “Get your homework done!” Which, by the way, is good advice no matter how long ago you graduated.

I’m Ron Hutchcraft, and I’ve discovered, in trying to discern God’s will for decisions I have to make, that doing my homework is an important way for God to guide me. That’s homework, as in getting all the information, talking to people with experience, figuring out the dollars, anticipating the obstacles. Many times God’s will has become clearer just through getting the facts.

Jesus gave us this solid directive for making “no regrets” decisions, “First sit down and estimate the cost” (Luke 12:48 ). Honestly, a lot of our dumb choices are because we look only at the benefits of something without thinking through what it’s going to cost us financially, emotionally, relationally, “reputationally,” spiritually.

When it was time for God’s ancient people to go in and take the Promised Land God said He would give them, his first step was, “Do your homework.” “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Send some men to explore the land.’” After which Moses gave the scouts about nine specific answers to bring back: what about the towns, the fortifications, the soil, the trees, the fruit, the people? (Numbers 13:1 ; 17-20). Even if you know you’re going where God wants, don’t just go charging in! Do your homework!

This radio program references: Luke 12:48 ; Numbers 13:1 ; Numbers 13:17-20