Finding God’s Will Among So Many Options
The dilemma of finding God’s will has plagued our society for decades. Especially in the U.S. where we are “blessed” with so many options. Everywhere we turn we have the privilege of making yet another decision.
Will we go to college? Where will we go? What will we study? Who will we date? Who will we marry? Where will we live? Apartment, house or condo? Rent or buy? Do we have kids? How many kids? Do we choose homeschool, private school or public school? And how about retirement? IRAs or 401Ks or both? You get the point.
I truly believe that options, when given the power to overwhelm us, can be a great tool for the enemy. This supposed trouble of not being able to find God’s will is a modern day problem that, more times than not, becomes the Christian’s go-to excuse for not doing anything.
Paralyzed by Choice
All too often, in the plethora of choices, we stand frozen. And by not choosing we choose by default to do nothing rather than risk doing the “wrong” thing.
We stand paralyzed in the cold medicine isle. Googling the difference between an expectorant and a decongestant. Deciding which is more pressing, the need to stop our cough or to be able to breath. Meanwhile, the opportunities to share God’s love with those around us simply pass us by. We miss yet another opportunity to make an eternal difference in the name of making an informed decision.
Is it any wonder the term “decision fatigue” has become such a buzz phrase?
How Do We Decide
Sometimes the right answer seems clear, or the decision not all that impactful. Like what to have for lunch…though if added up I have probably spent a couple years of my life debating this decision alone!
No, joke. I was actually filling out a medical questionnaire recently and had to call my husband to ask him if he thought I had trouble making decisions! It’s bad people.
But what about when you have to make a life altering decision, and you must choose between two or more equally appealing and exciting options?
A Beautiful Truth
I was contemplating one such decisions many years back when my mom opened my eyes to a beautiful truth. Sometimes there is no one right answer. Sometimes God gives you several great options, and He’s seriously saying, “Just pick one! I’m not near as concerned with which option you pick as I am that you serve Me and bring Me glory in whichever path you choose. Wherever you go, shine My light. If it’s this job or that job. This city or that city. This house or that apartment. I came that you may have and enjoy your life. Pick what sounds exciting to you and go forward in My peace and joy!”
“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
A Powerful Confession
As a college senior, with so many decisions on the horizon the Lord filled me with a life-altering peace when He impressed this confession on my heart.
“He will not let me miss or mess up any of the plans He has for me as long as I am earnestly seeking Him.”
Put another way, in her book The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurst says, “If you desire to please God with the decision you make and afterword it proves to be a mistake, it’s an error not an end. As long as you desire to please God with your decisions, no decision you make will be completely awful.” (More along these lines in an upcoming post.)
So take a deep breath. Write out the confession that the Lord gave me, and claim it as your own. He will not let you miss or mess up any of the plans He has for your life as long as you are earnestly seeking Him
Finding Freedom in His Word
Another perspective changing moment was coming across Proverbs 16:9 early one morning at the age of 20. Though I had undoubtedly read this many times before, this particular encounter truly set a part of my soul free.
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
I remember where I was when this promise knocked me over. I hit my knees and raised my hands. Then I stepped out of that dorm room and marched down that cinderblock hallway with a lightness in my spirit and a wonderful sense of freedom I have carried with me to this day.
More Encouraging Scripture
I pray this post has given you a boost and perhaps helped to set you free in some areas of decision making.
Look for part 3 in the Finding God’s Will series next week. Don’t forget to join my email list so you don’t miss a post!
Until next time, here are some more great verses to add to your tool box. You may also enjoy this episode of the “Simply Life on Purpose” podcast with Kelsey Van Kirk. It’s jam packed with great, practical wisdom and powerful Scripture for when you feel overwhelmed.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]!” Psalm 57:2 (AMPC)
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 (AMPC)
“But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other,[a] for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers[b] throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
