6. NOT FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Spirit’s presence within us enables us to understand and interpret the Word. Jesus told His disciples “when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). He reveals to our minds the whole counsel of God as it relates to worship, doctrine, and Christian living. He is the ultimate guide, going before, leading the way, removing obstructions, opening the understanding, and making all things plain and clear. He leads in the way we should go in all spiritual things. Without such a guide, we would be apt to fall into error.
Sometimes when I’m facing a big decision, I try to acquire more information rather than seek God’s direction. Here’s a fundamental principle to ponder: When we stop listening to God, He stops talking to us. God stopped talking to Abraham for 13 years between the last verse of Genesis 16 and the first chapter of 17. Sometimes, God requires us to take a step, in faith, before he reveals his plan. Check out Joshua 3.

You know – I’m not sure I’d really call this a dumb mistake. This is a process – a difficult one at that. It takes careful strategy and caution to make sure we do it every time. We all share in this one though…trust me, we all!