The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel in Success

While studying Genesis 14, something stood out to me about Abraham’s journey after defeating Kedorlaomer and the allied kings.

After the victory, instead of returning immediately to where he lived, the oaks of Mamre, Abraham stopped at the Valley of Shaveh. That’s where he met Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High.

This wasn’t a casual meeting. The Bible says Melchizedek ‘brought out’ bread and wine. That detail made me pause. It suggests either Abraham went there to meet him intentionally, or Melchizedek came to meet Abraham. Either way, it didn’t seem like a first-time encounter. There may have been some familiarity between them.

And in that moment, I believe Abraham was seeking counsel.

He had just won a major battle. He now had the people, the possessions, and possibly the military might to lay claim to Canaan. Remember, God had already promised him that he would become a great nation and be a blessing to many. Abraham could have reasoned: “Maybe these people I’ve just rescued are the nation God is giving me. Maybe I’m meant to take this next step myself.”

But then Melchizedek blesses him with these words: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.” That was a reminder. Abraham was not self-made. God was the source.

Later, the king of Sodom offered Abraham the spoils of war, but Abraham refused. He said, “I have sworn to the Lord… that I will not take anything from you, lest you say, ‘I made Abram rich.’”

This shows that Abraham had received wisdom. It’s likely he got clarity after that meeting with Melchizedek.

And still, in the next chapter, Genesis 15, God appears to Abraham and says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

Abraham responds, “What can you give me, since I remain childless?”

This shows he was still wrestling with God’s promise. He may have thought God’s word would be fulfilled through physical means, by his own strategy, intellect, or possessions. But God had a different path in mind.

Here’s the point:

Always seek godly counsel, especially when you’re winning. Sometimes, when things are going well, you might assume God is telling you to move in a particular direction. After all, you have the resources, the success, the opportunity.

But remember David, when he inquired of the Lord before battle, God gave him specific instructions. The second time, even though it was a similar situation, God gave a different strategy. He said, “Wait until you hear the sound of marching in the trees.”

The fact that you succeeded once doesn’t mean the next step is automatic. The last instruction isn’t always the next instruction.

Big wins can make you confident in your own wisdom. But that’s exactly when you need to pause and ask: “Lord, what would you have me do now?”

Don’t move ahead on assumption. Don’t let victory drown out His voice. Let every win drive you back to the One who gave it.