While riding down the interstate the other day, I was talking to my wife about our future. We were discussing whether or not for me to continue with my schooling or to pursue other employment opportunities. My wife suggested that I just “focus” on school and get finished in the next year. Just as she said this, I looked up at the car in front of me which happened to be...a Ford Focus. At this point, I realized (if I was the least bit mystical in my Christianity) that I could take this to mean that God wanted me to “focus” on school since I was, indeed, driving behind a Ford Focus.
As I began to reflect on this episode a little further, how did I make decisions in the past? Did I seek God’s wisdom through His written revelation found within the pages of Scripture? Or did I look for signs and special feelings? To be honest, I looked for sings and special feelings.
The first major decision I remember making was after high school. Which college should I go to? I really wanted to pursue a Biblical Studies degree at Mississippi College. But, I was really interested in the music program at the University of Southern Mississippi. I remember visiting these two colleges and asking God to “speak” to me about which college to attend. Of course, now, I wish I could go back and ask myself, “What are you looking for or expecting to sense or hear from God? Warm and fuzzies? A sense of peace? The ‘still small’ voice?” And, if I were to “hear” from God, what would God “speaking” to me sound like? How would I be able to recognize God’s voice?
The next major decision came while dating Melanie. Is this the girl that God has called me to be with for the rest of my life? How do I know that Melanie is “the one?” One night while sitting on a park bench at school, I pleaded with God to show me if Melanie was the right girl for me to marry. Again, if I could go back in time, what was I wanting God to show me?
As I reflected on these various situations, I realized that far too many Christians are making their decisions based on this very confusing and unsafe way. Many Christians seek God’s will based on intangible feelings that can easily be confused or misrepresented. Believers use phrases such as... “I feel ‘led’ to do ___;” or “I feel a sense of ‘peace’ about ____;” or “God, show me a sign!” Is this the proper way to seek the Lord’s will for our life? Is this what it means to know and to do the will of God?
As we look at these important questions, no one is immune from making decisions. While standing at the crossroads of life, everyone will have to make a decision of whether they will go left, straight, or right. When it comes to making any kind of decision, it is very important to know what the Bible says about knowing and doing the will of God.
Over the next few days, I will be blogging on knowing and doing the will of God. The blog posts will come as installments rather than one long post. Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” If your prayer echos that of David’s prayer, then let me persuade you to check back later and let us learn, together, about this important doctrine of guidance. If you disagree, have any questions, or comments, then I encourage you to leave a reply.
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