Decision making does not come easy for many of us. It takes correct information, perspective, and courage to walk the road. We do not always understand what's happening, especially those that affect our family, our job, our business, our lifestyle, our values, and beliefs.
Recently, my wife Imelda and I have been wrestling with this issue. Much of our life together have been invested serving God. We had to sacrifice our personal and family needs, had "left all to follow Jesus" (Mark 1:16-20). Was that enough? No, I say it was not! Jesus calls us to ongoing decision-making and change according to His directions and purposes in each specific season of our lives.
For the Christian, the first indispensable road sign to God's will is His Word. Not one's personal desires or circumstances. As Paul reminds the Galatians, "After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (Galatians 3:3). When something contradicts a principle or moral will in Scripture, God's will is not to be found in that direction.
As an example, when choosing a mate, God's will is very clear in the Bible. The correct mate based on God's will is found among believers (2 Corinthians 6). So, to choose a mate who is an unbeliever is to decide outside of God's will in your life. If you miss this sign, you will not even be on the correct road to see the other further signs God has for you.
Proverbs 3: 5, 6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
The point? We need God's approval in all our decision-making. God's will cannot be discerned on the basis of one's own worldly or human understanding. We need to trust God and trust His wisdom. We need to acknowledge Him in each part of our life. By doing so, we reap a decision that is within His will and a life that is successful before His eyes.
Going back to my wife and I's struggle on what God's will is at this point in our life, we therefore go to Scripture first for guidance. We read it. We study it. We meditate upon it in order to find the direct commands or principles that relate to our specific areas of concern.
Remember, the first road sign: God Word.
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