It's surprising how often God gets blamed for our negative outcomes when it really amounts to us not seeking out advice before making decisions or not counting the cost. 

Proverbs 11:14 and 15:22 both point out the wisdom and safety found in having multiple counselors weighing in on big decisions and plans. And implicit in Luke 14:28-33 is the use of our God-given logic in making decisions. Here Jesus alludes to the foolishness of those who might build a tower or wage a war without first counting the cost. 

“Down through the ages,” writes Robert Clinton, “God reveals his plans to a leader, challenges him to pray concerning that revelation, and thus involves him in the outcome.” Effective leaders realize that change happens in cooperation with God’s purposes. God created humanity in his image, effectively calling us to be creators and change agents in our environments. We are co-creators with God to accomplish his purposes for his glory and for our greatest joy. 

We must utilize our cognitive skills when facing change and decision-making, merging that with what we sense God is saying lest we fall into a common problem that Bobby Clinton refers to: “Leaders tend to make decisions without a balanced cluster of guidance elements.” Those guidance elements, says Clinton, are comprised of that which comes from walking with God over time and that which is gained from outside sources such as mentors, mature leaders, and divine contacts. Multiple confirmations regarding a decision increase credibility. Forming our understanding under God’s guidance brings about the right change.