* How many of you have regretted a dumb decision? (EX: Wall)

* The key to making a dumb decision is not having God’s perspective on a situation.

* God’s power is found in God’s perspective.

* If we could see as God sees we would be more inclined to do as God says.

* PROBLEM - Our perspective changes when we take our focus off of God and put it on the thing we’re experiencing.

* FOCUS magnifies & intensifies

* Backstory - Jehoshaphat was the good king of Judah. Ahab was the wicked king of Israel.

* God didn’t want them partnering (when you partner you take the spankings of the other person).

* But Jehoshaphat lost his focus the more he prospered.

* He started focusing on the “purpose” over the “Person,” therefore he began to think “strategically” and no longer “spiritually.”

* So he agrees to go into battle with wicked King Ahab.

* Vs 29-31 - he made a dumb decision.

* With an altered perspective, he could no longer see the way God wanted him to see.

* He jumped on the wrong path, allied with the wrong person, and lost all God’s power.

* Vs 32-33 - but he did get God’s protection when he called out for help.

* But he didn’t get the message.

* 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 - “Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. 36 He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber, 37 Eliezer … prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.”

* When God prospers you, don’t lose your perspective by focusing on the thing in front of you.

* So how do you keep your perspective?

* Three things you should do daily when you’re alone with God (from Andy Stanley):

* 1) Acknowledge God’s greatness. “You are ossum!”

* 2) Declare your dependence. “I need you!”

* 3) Surrender your will. “I’ll do what you say!”