Do you sometimes feel like you're just playing a game of rock/paper/scissors when you try to understand God's specific will for you?
Here are some steps that have helped me:
1. Don’t make quick decisions unless you have no doubts. Urgency is often a trick of Satan (Proverbs 19:2).
2. Seek wise counsel from someone who’ll be honest enough to disagree with you (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 27:17).
3. Pray. When making important decisions, my husband and I set an alarm and pray at regular intervals throughout the day until we have peace (Philippians 4:6).
4. Fast. Fasting can clear our minds for focused prayer (Matthew 6:16).(1)
5. Be accountable. Ask someone to help in areas where you typically make poor decisions (Galatians 6:1-2).
6. Seek peace. If you have an uneasy feeling about a decision, there is probably a reason (Philippians 4:6-7).
7. Do something. If you are confident God has called you to do something but you are unsure exactly how to accomplish it, step out in faith, asking God to stop or redirect you if you head in the wrong direction (Acts 16:6-10).
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(1) Fasting is not for everyone, depending on your age, daily work demands, and medical condition. But you can always fast from an unnecessary food item you enjoy as a reminder to pray (for example coffee, sweets, snack food).
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This was a very helpful post and the title was very appropriate! Some things are a bit unclear and take a lot of deciphering to find the will of God. The Scriptures help to unravel His will and your suggestions are good confirmation. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGail, I really like your idea about setting an alarm to pray periodically about an important need. Kind of like the call to Mecca, huh? Just kidding :)Sometimes we get so busy with life that we forget to pray without ceasing, or pray diligently. Praying for you, today!
ReplyDeleteYour steps are good. Some decisions are just hard to make. It's good to know that Biblical steps bring clearance.
ReplyDeleteI especially like number one...I've never really thought of it this way but it makes perfect sense.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people get stuck on #7 because of fear... Great advice. Thanks for linking up to Thrive @ Home!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those posts worth printing and sharing!! I like the idea of setting an alarm as a reminder to pray about an important issue. Fasting is good to do but I liked your cautions that also frees those who cannot. Too often we just 'act' too quickly making our own decisions instead of turning to the Lord in prayer. Thank you for linking up at WholeHearted Home last month. I know, I know...I am a bit late (like Alice) but I did have a wonderful Christmas and there is all January to play catch up.
ReplyDeleteI loved this. Very helpful. Thank you!!
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