(43) How to Know What God Wants You to Do

Understanding God's Guidance

  • If you're facing big decisions in life and feel lost, the key is to seek God's direction.

  • James 1:5 states: "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you..."

    • God is always ready to offer wisdom generously.

  • Approach God with expectation; doubt clouds decision-making.

    • A doubtful mind is unstable, like waves tossed by the wind.

Faith vs. Doubt

  • Expecting answers requires faith; without it, answers won’t come clearly.

  • Personal reflection: Many decisions seem certain but can lead to doubt and confusion later.

    • Acknowledgment of wrestling with uncertainties regularly.

Analogy of Surfing

  • Surfing illustrates how external forces can shift our direction unpredictably.

    • Regular swell: natural energy of the ocean, represents receiving guidance from God.

    • Wind swell: external influences and fears that disrupt our course.

  • When seeking guidance from God, be sure you’re drawing from His strength rather than external pressures.

Leaning on God’s Understanding

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 emphasizes trust in the Lord, not relying on your own understanding.

  • Acknowledge Him in all your ways for proper guidance.

    • Leaning on personal understanding results in uncertainty and instability.

  • Example from parenting: Children ask "why" out of pure curiosity, showing a desire to understand and learn, unlike adults who often resist questioning.

Proper Approach to Asking God

  • Be like children; approach God with questions rather than presupposing answers.

  • Dependency on God should be total, not partial. You cannot lean on both Him and your own interpretations.

  • Failure to fully trust leads to poor outcomes and complications.

Navigating Life's Challenges

  • Following God’s path may not be devoid of pain or hurt but aligns towards life.

    • God’s guidance is vital for a purposeful direction.

  • Decision-making should involve stepping forth with your plans but ensuring those plans align with God’s wisdom.

The Importance of Scripture

  • Acknowledge Christ as the Living Word—run to Him for clarity.

  • Emphasizes the necessity of scripture in decision-making.

  • Remember Jesus's sacrifice on the cross as the ultimate guidance in life.

Jesus's Example

  • Jesus's prayer in Mark 14:36 reflects His submission to God’s will over His own.

    • His anguish exemplifies the necessity of overcoming personal desires for a greater purpose.

  • Jesus's resurrection reassures believers of God's plan for abundant life.

Seeking Clarity

  • To make informed decisions, slow down; reflect before making commitments.

  • Practice patience in listening to how God directs your life. Be observant of the influences steering you.

  • Idea: "Sleep on it" – take time to reflect and gain insight.

Final Thoughts

  • Engage with the Word of God regularly to ground your decisions in faith.

  • The relationship with God is about reliance, understanding, and continual learning.

  • The process of deliberation before acting is crucial to avoid being misled by external forces.