Lately I have been struggling over what to do in a matter that is important to me. Should I do this or that? Should I go that direction or the other?
Seeking Guidance
That got me thinking. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Of course you try to figure it out. You weigh the pros and cons of any particular option. You ask for advice from people you respect.
All this is good and it should be done. But what about the most simple and straightforward step…Asking God.
The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
By asking God, you are not saying you won’t brainstorm the pros and cons, nor does it mean you won’t seek the advice of others. The Lord often uses those paths to guide us and Scripture suggests such things (Luke 14:28; Proverbs 20:18).
But ultimately we need to be asking God to guide. The Bible promises us that he “gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
So often when we are at a crossroads we become anxious. It can be stressful when you don’t know what direction you should take. Sometimes either course seems attractive. You might even want to do both, but in that situation you can’t. You have to decide.
Bringing the decision to God can bring peace. After all, doesn’t God know exactly what he wills for your life? Isn’t he perfectly capable of leading you into the things he wants for you? Of course he is!
When you come to God, you can lay the conundrum at his feet. You surrender the options to him and express your willingness to do whatever he wills. You continue pondering the options and maybe even the seeking of advice, but this time it is different. This time you are trusting God to lead. In some sense the pressure is off because you are not depending all on your own wit, but on God’s guidance.
Why ask God? Well sure, it is because you want answers. But God doesn’t always give quick answers.
Why ask God? Because more important than the guidance is that you would have a deeper dependence on the Lord.
Think about it. Either direction you go don’t you want to go it with God? Fellowship with the Lord is always more important than direction with decisions. Direction comes naturally when communion with God is nurtured.
Are you wrestling with a decision of what to do? Have you begun asking God, really asking God? Have you surrendered your will to his? Have you weighed the pros and cons, read scripture, and sought the advice of others for the expressed purpose of seeing what God would reveal to you in it all?
If the answer is yes, then trust that God will lead, in his timing. If the answer is no, then why not begin asking today. Be patient. Trust him to reveal in time and even more than seeking guidance, nurture your relationship with the Lord.
Question: Have you wrestled with a decision, sought God’s wisdom, and in time received your answer? Share it with us. You can leave a comment by clicking here.
This post causes me have prevailing reflection on the life of Job, how he was patience to suffer and endure many difficult situations,(Job 42:12-13) before God delivered him. nevertheless, he was greater than his former life before enduring the cross of faith,that calls all believers to endure the responsibility that is an integral part of our Christian faith, no cross, no crown of life, no Salvation, it is the Christian responsibility to have enough faith to wait patiently for the Lord, to direct our daily lives,and to deliver His Church.
Just this morning I was faced with a decision concerning work. Today this decision left me feeling somewhat anxious and uncertain. In hopes to calm those feelings, I grabbed my dog and headed out for a walk. As I walked I prayed and asked God for wisdom and guidance. It didn’t remedy fully the situation. But left me feeling more confident that God would be there and give me the wisdom to make the right choices. It’s very important with all decisions, big and small, not to be afraid to approach God. With God as your guide, you will never fail!