LIFE PRINCIplES NOTES

Practical Lessons for Understanding the Word of God

Direction Without Doubt

KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 25:12 | SuppORTINg SCRIpTuRe: Psalm 25:3; 27:14; 62:1; 119:105 | Proverbs 1:7 Isaiah 9:7 | Matthew 7:7 | Acts 16:31 | Romans 10:9 | 2 Corinthians 6:2 | Colossians 3:15 | 1 John 1:9; 5:14

SUMMARY:
Christians can face difficult decisions with confidence because they know God is willing to give them clear direction in every situation.
However, those who fail to seek or wait for His guidance will experience uncertainty, confusion, and frustration. Sometimes, the fear of making wrong choices or feelings of inadequacy prevent many people from taking advantage of wonderful opportunities. Others miss out because they rush ahead of Gods timing and just hope everything works out for the best. Life is a continuous chain of decisionssome of which are irreversibleand thats why we need divine guidance. Oftentimes, our present circumstances are the result of past choices, and our futures will be determined by the decisions we make today. Also, our loved ones, friends, and co-workers are affected by what we choose. With so much at stake, we desperately need Gods wisdom to direct us.

A Pattern for Making Decisions

The following six steps will help you discern Gods direction no matter what situation or difficulty you face. You must:
n

Clear the pathway. In order to hear the Lords voice, you must remove all obstacles by clearing your heart. You cant expect to hear from the Lord if youre tolerating sin in your life. Any wrong attitude or action must be removed before you can proceed because sin clouds your mind just like fog obstructs your view of the highway. Ask God if theres anything in your life that doesnt fit who you are as a follower of Christ. If He reveals a specific sin, you should confess and repent of it immediately. You must also bring your desires to a point of neutrality. There will be times when what you want in a situation is not in line with what the Lord desires. The only way youll receive His guidance is by submitting to Him. When you can honestly say that you desire His will to be done more than your own, Hell provide the clear direction you need.

SCrIPTuraL PrINCIPLEs:
n

The Lord wants you to make the correct decision in every circumstance. He isnt trying to keep His will secret. However, your attitude about Gods guidance makes all the difference. His instructions are reserved for those who fear Him (Ps. 25:12) and express true reverence for His holiness, power, and authority. When you acknowledge that He alone has the right to direct your choices, Hell give you wisdom.

Exercise patience. Some decisions are urgentat least from a human perspective. However, demanding an immediate answer from God is a sign of doubt. Patience requires a willingness to trust the Lord and submit to His timing. Instead of jumping ahead and making a rash decision, slow down and evaluate your situation from Gods perspective. Does this choice fit the principles of Scripture? Does it look like something the Lord would

LIFEPRINCIPLESNOTES | LP111113

choose? Psalm 25:3 says that those who wait for the Lord will not be ashamed. Your patience may appear foolish to others, but God is working out every single detail during the delay.
n Be

n Rest

alert to pressure. When seeking the Lords direction, be careful not to let anyone or anything persuade you to choose a path other than Gods. Be especially cautious of external pressures. Sometimes, people dont understand why youre waiting, and they may offer bad advice or push you to make a decision and move ahead. Instead of giving in and making choices that are in conflict with Gods will, fill your mind with His Word. That way, youll be able to discern if the advice aligns with His desires. If you dont have clarity from the Lord, its always best to wait. Other times, pressure to make a decision is internal. Fear of losing an opportunity may cause you to get involved in a harmful situation or a wrong relationship instead of waiting on Gods guidance. Also, the dread of rejection or criticism may prompt you to make a choice based on emotions rather than His will. The truth is that anyone who lives a godly life will be excluded or misunderstood at times. God may lead you to a decision nobody else understands, but if you take the first step of obedience, His blessings will follow.

in Gods promise. In order to discover what the Lord wants you to do in a situation, you must believe in His promises. He assures us Hell always answer the prayers of those who ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7:7). If you faithfully read the Word, the Holy Spirit will lead you to verses that can guide you in any situation. If you dont know where to look, begin by reading in Psalms and Proverbs, asking God to speak directly to your heart. Remember, His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105). If you fill your mind with the Lords thoughts each day, youll be able to make any decision. for Christs peace. The last step in the decision-making process is to let the peace of Christ act as your umpire. He will tell you whether or not youre safe in your choice, and there will be no doubt about it. When the direction is from God, His peace will enter your heart and mind (Col. 3:15). This is the evidence that you are following His path. There are no worries to deal withjust confident assurance.

n Wait

CONCLusION:
When youre faced with a decision and dont know what to do, remember that Gods Word is His primary method of speaking to His people. The Scriptures address many issues, but if the one youre looking for isnt clearly discussed in the Bible, you can still receive guidance by seeking the Lord in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit to help you apply scriptural principles to your particular circumstance. When you patiently wait to hear His voice and heed His instructions, you can make a confident decision knowing God has given you clear direction. Though others may not understand your choice or argue against it, you can face them with Christs perfect peace in your heart.
To purchase this message on CD or DVD, please visit store.intouch.org or call 800-789-1473.

n Persist

in prayer. Just because you dont receive an immediate answer from the Lord, it doesnt mean He isnt listening. The purpose of persistent prayer is not to force God to do what you want but for you to see the situation from His perspective. As you wait, He deepens your relationship with Him and deals with the issues in your life that are preventing you from growing spiritually or being prepared for what He has in mind. You may not understand what Hes doing at the time, but one day, youll be able to look back and thank Him for His perfect timing and provision.

intouch.org
Copyright 2013 by In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only. LIFEPRINCIPLESNOTES | LP111113