God's Guidance
What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Have you ever been on a road trip, happily relying on your Google Maps when all of a sudden you lose your internet connection? The sudden loss of connection has left me feeling completely helpless and panicked. Which way do I go? Will the wrong turn send me way off the path?
As inconvenient and scary as losing navigation can be, life can be just as scary. Decision-making can be scary in every season. When should I have kids or get married? What school should I send my kids to, is it time to move jobs, or buy a new house? Recently we have been guiding our adult children in big decision making. From college to choosing a career path, there is just no easy answer to what direction to go.
What do you do when life requires you to make decisions and you literally have no clue which direction to take? I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve wanted to ask Google to make a major life decision for me. The truth is making big decisions is hard. When faced with a crossroads or a next step we can feel confused, scared, and out of control. The good news is you don’t have to make big decisions alone! As a Christian, you have a built-in GPS called the Holy Spirit. I want to take a minute to walk you through a thought process that I use when I need to make a big decision.
1. Remember, you are not alone. God has said He will never leave you or forsake you. He actually is walking through this life decision with you. Ephesians 1:11 states, “ In Him also we have received an inheritance { a destiny- we were claimed by God as His own}, having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will.” God has a purpose set aside for YOU to walk in. That means that the one who created the plan for your life also created you purposefully for that plan. God will not let you ruin His plan if you are seeking Him. Rest that He is with you!
2. Ask God to make it clear. Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that He wants to reveal His will to you. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” God doesn’t want to hide the answer of what to do next; He actually wants to show you. Ask Him, and ask Him to make the path clear. Even if you aren’t 100% sure about the decision, He will illuminate the way to go. In fact, you will probably only be about 80% sure about any given decision. The other 20% is what we fall, a step of faith. Trust isn’t blind faith, trust is faith to lean in and ask God for direction and have faith that you hear from Him! There will be a leading, a clarity that God reveals to you!
3. Follow God’s favor and His peace. God often leads you through supernatural peace. Think through the different paths available to you. Which path leads you toward peace? Always go with peace. Even in the middle of big scary steps, God’s peace will guide you! (Philippians 4).
Where is God’s favor flowing? Which doors seem like they are swinging open before you? God’s favor will light your path. Job 22:28 says, “You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.” God’s favor will go before you; His grace will make a straight path for you! What works naturally for you? What are you naturally good at? Where do you have favor connections? Follow the leading of His favor!
I hope these tips help you in making your next big decision! Sometimes faith requires a leap, but He is always with you! Ask Him and then obey His leading. He will never lead you down paths to harm you – only to prosper you into every plan and purpose He has set aside for your life! The path is good, friend – trust Him!