Do not be paralyzed, in those areas where you need specific information, when God does not and will not give you specific information. He has already given you the general principles on which you should base your decisions. In an increasingly secular world, we definitely need to hold on to the truth that is found in God’s Word.
Walking In Grace / Richard Caldwell
Day 1
Scriptures: Ephesians 5:17, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:20
Step One: Where is your Heart?
As Christians, we strongly desire to know and do God’s will. In Ephesians chapter 5 verse 17 we are exhorted not to be foolish, but to understand what God’s will is. Therefore, it is not an argument to belittle. Instead, we should all pay particular attention to understand the fundamental principles that should be the base of our decision-making processes.
There are certain moments and periods in life where this becomes a challenge. Think about crucial life decisions such as: choosing your career, your life partner, your friends, and so on. You wish that God would speak to you as clearly as possible. You do not want to make mistakes that you know you will regret for the rest of your life.
The first and most important thing we should all do is to understand if our heart is in a good place. To be “in a good place” means examining to see if doing God’s will is something that concerns us, if this is something that we genuinely care about. If this is the case with you, then your heart is in the right place.
When you want to honor God in your decision making, if God is the most important person in your life and His opinion matters to you and you respect Him, then without any shadow of a doubt your heart is in a good place. You have nothing to fear. This is the first step towards understanding God’s will for you.
God has given us free will. We have the right to choose, yet at the same time, God holds us responsible for our decisions. For this reason, God tells us two essential things regarding our hearts:
1) Guard your heart above all else for everything we do flows from it.
2) Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
When you have to make an important life-decision, who do you turn to? Whose opinion do you value the most? If the answer is God, you have taken the first step towards understanding His will.
Day 2
Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Step 2: Apply the Word of God
Our decisions have consequences, and maybe that is what scares us the most. Especially when the choices we are making will have a strong and lasting impact on our future. Sometimes the fear of doing something wrong paralyzes you. You do not act in cases where you definitely should because you are afraid of the wrong action. If this is the case for you, I want to remind you that the will of God is determined by knowing the Word of God.
God’s will is found in His Word. The application of that Word to our individual lives, situations, and decisions is either clear, based upon what the Scripture says, or is going to be a matter of discernment based on the principles found in the statements God has given us.
Let us use as an example the case of marriage. Your question may be, “Should I marry this person?” Well, you will not find the sentence, “You should marry Sally” in the Bible. What you will find in the Bible is, “You should marry a believer.” Actually, you must. As a believer, you have no other option. Think about 1 Corinthians 7 where the Bible speaks about widows. In these verses, widows are told that they can marry anyone they want, but only in the Lord.
Consequently, as a believer, I am not to be married to an unbeliever–to be unequally yoked. This I know for sure. This is a clear and specific commandment God gives me to base my decision on.
In light of this, do not be paralyzed in those areas where you want specific information when God has not given and will not be giving you specifics. He has given you general principles on which to base your decisions.
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
First, trust in Him. Second, navigate these decisions based on the light of the Word of God. If deep in your heart your desire is to please God, trust Him and know that He will direct your path. Do not be paralyzed by what you do not know. Walk in the light of what you do know.
Day 3
Scriptures: Romans 12:2, Psalms 37:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Step 3: Grow in Discernment Part 1
Our question for today is, “How do I grow in discernment?” The answer to that can be found in Romans chapter 12 verse 2. Here we are told, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul is saying that discernment is developed as I take God’s Word and then apply it to the decisions that I am making. By doing this, I will grow in discernment: by applying the principles of the Word of God in my daily walk as a Christian.
Let us examine some decisions that are important to make in the light of the application of biblical principles, so that I can grow in discernment. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4 the Bible says, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” I know for sure that God wants me to walk in holiness and not in sexual sin. I am certain of this, so I live accordingly. If the question of having sexual relationships with my boyfriend/girlfriend arises, I already know what God’s will is, so I simply apply it in my daily life. I do not conform to the pattern of this world.
It is essential to remind yourself of what God tells you about your heart. If you know that you are submitted to the Lordship of Christ, you are submitted to the authority of Scripture, and you delight yourself in the Lord, His Words tells you that He is going to give you the desires of your heart.
Your heart will be shaped according to Christ because He is your number one priority. Of course, this principle does not apply to a life that is not willing to please God. But, if your heart is submitted to God, it is going to begin to desire the things that please God. If you can say with a clear conscience that what you are about to do does not invalidate Scripture, and that you are submitted to God and His Word, then do what you desire to do.
Remember: Do not be paralyzed by what you do not know; walk in the light of what you do know.
Day 4
Scriptures: Proverbs 11:14, Matthew 6:33
Step 4: Grow in Discernment Part 2
When we are trying to understand God’s will for our lives, one of the questions that we should ask ourselves is: “Is there anything about this relationship/career choice/job/friendship that will invalidate the Word of God according to Scripture?”
If the answer is yes, you already know what to do. If the answer to that question is no, then the second question you should ask yourself is: “Do you want to marry her/him? Do you want to pursue that career? Do you see yourself in that job, position?” If yes, well then do it.
On the other hand, if what you would like to know is if there is another, better girl, a better career choice, or a better job for you in the world, then Scripture will not give that kind of specific knowledge for that. That is not how the Word of God operates. You can marry anyone you want, only in the Lord. So, if you want to spend the rest of your life with this man or with that woman, and she is a believer in Christ, and free to get married, then do it. Just remember that it is for a lifetime. Keep in mind the rest of the principles.
The same applies to a job, career, or anything you can think of. You must keep in mind all the principles: Is your heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Is God your number one priority and is His will a matter of your concern? Are you following and applying God’s principles regarding His will in your daily life? If the answer is yes, do not be paralyzed by what you do not know, but rather walk in the light of what you do know.
Furthermore, my advice is to get good counsel. Talk to the people that know you well, people who love you, love God and His Word. Talk to your parents, to your pastor; learn from them.
They will undoubtedly guide and give you advice on the matter. Listen carefully.
In conclusion, it is most essential to:
1) Check your priorities. Your heart. If God is the number one priority and His will for you is a matter of your concern, then your heart is in a good place. Trust Him and know that He will direct your path.
2) Apply the clear principles of the Word of God. His will is found in His Word; the application of that Word to our individual lives, situations and decisions is either clear, based upon what the Scripture says, or is going to be a matter of discernment based on the principles found in the statements God has given us.
3) Get good counsel from people who know you well, love you, and love God and His word.
My prayer is that God will guide every step you take and that you will grow in discernment in the Lord!