Making Right Choices, Discerning God's Will Sample

In our final discussion we will explore the two methods most people typically employ when making decisions: active and passive. 

1) Active - Unless otherwise directed, I cautiously move ahead in what honestly appears to be the best direction, consciously trusting God to confirm or to restrain, by either opening or shutting doors.

When I don't have a clear answer, I move ahead trusting God to show me. I may pray, “God, I'm going to go in ‘this’ direction unless You show me otherwise. Please stop me (in my spirit) if I shouldn’t do this.” 

The active method is usually the way I seek a spouse or a job, buy a house or car; that is, things I desire.

2) Passive - I wait for God to do something “special” to confirm His guidance. 

I may find myself using the passive method regarding things I may NOT desire to do. I wait for God to “hit me over the head” to confirm that this is what I should do, or I am waiting on written confirmation from Him! 

God can't steer a parked car or a boat that's tied to the dock.

Yes, I am told to wait on the Lord, but I must be careful that I don’t use that as an excuse not to move forward in obedience, especially if I already understand what I should do, but am reluctant to trust Him.

When I want something I say, “This is the way I'm going unless God says 'no'”, (active) and when we don't want something, I say, “I'm not going to go that way unless God shows me 'yes'.” (passive) 

The question that should be on my lips is, “God, what do you want?”

Honesty is critical. I may ask God to show me what to do but provide Him with restrictions. For example, I outline Options A, B, and C and, because I don't like option D, I don’t allow Him to lead me into that possibility. Three choices for God to help me choose from are enough, right? I should not limit God in this way.

EXAMPLE FROM PAUL: In Acts 16 Paul and his companions wanted to go into Asia, but the Holy Spirit stopped them. Why didn't Paul already know God's will? We could honestly say that Paul did what he felt was pleasing to God, but God said no. (active method of deciding) 

God did not give them a clear message saying to go or not to go into Bithynia, but Paul reasoned and felt it was right to do so. Since God didn't show him otherwise, Paul started in that direction, but God put up a roadblock. (criteria of circumstances)

During the night Paul had a vision of a man who pleaded, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” And they concluded that this is what God wanted, even though they weren’t 100% sure. Why didn't God just tell them to go to Macedonia in the first place? I will have to wait and ask God when I get to heaven!

While a “to do” list from God each morning would appear to be desirable, God wants me to depend on Him daily and consult Him in everything. 

It’s hard not knowing and not having clear-cut answers many times. But it’s critical for me to understand the way God operates. He wants me to ask, “God, what is pleasing to you?” 

I can never really grow as a Christian if I’m unwilling to trust God's love for me. God is saying, “I want to love you, but I've got to be in charge.” 

Have you ever tried to help an animal who wouldn’t let you get near them, because they were afraid of you? That is analogous to how I can be before the Lord. He wants to bless me, but I can be so afraid of what He might do that I won't let Him bless me.

A lot of things God does will not make immediate sense. God wants me to use my understanding, but also to grow into exercising faith in His love, sovereignty, and intention. The just shall live by faith. (Galatians 3:11)

A couple of final questions to ask yourself: 

• If I could choose one course for my life, would it be one of my choosing or one of God's selection?
• Do I prefer to know God's plan and purpose for my daily life while I'm still here on earth and I am able to act upon it, or would I rather wait until I stand before Christ at the Tribunal of Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:10) 

PRAYER: Father, help me be willing to trust you with all my life: past, present and future. Give me faith to trust You and obey You and move forward with decisions and plans as you direct. I know I will love the life you are mapping out for me. Give me patience in the waiting. 

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Consider our YouVersion devotional “Spiritual Transformation, NOT Behavior Manipulation.”

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