* Your Desires, God's Will

A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.   

Proverbs 16:9

As believers of God, when dealing with life issues; rather big or small, God should always be at the center of each decision we make. Apostle Paul, in giving instructions on godly character and conduct, advised the Thessalonians to pray all the time.

Pray without ceasing.   1 Thessalonians  5:17

The word of God gives us a model for decision making.  Because life is an endless succession of choices and decisions, sometimes we miss the mark and our choice or decision can have disastrous results. Making decisions or choices is a responsibility. Constantly refusing to make a decision is in itself a decision.  One of the things that the bible tells us is to listen for God’s voice in everything we do; everywhere we go; because He’s the one who will keep us on track.  We should never assume that we know it all.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.      Proverbs 3:5-6  

Following the precepts of the Bible enables us to make wise choices within the will of God:

A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.    Proverbs 16:9

As we struggle with the difficulties of our life or find our self in precarious situations and even as we struggle with the right path to take or the right thing to do, we should keep these questions in mind:

Identify the problem, question, or life situation for which guidance is sought.

     ®    Is it dealt with in Scripture by specific command, general principle or example?

We should always strive to ensure that our decision is in harmony with the Scriptures.  Make a decision based on the Biblical statue, principle, or examples.  

Is it a questionable practice?

Is it a life situation?

Make a decision based on the answer to these questions:  Does it glorify God?   What is your motivation?    Is it necessary?  Will it promote spiritual growth? Is it an enslaving habit? Is it a compromise?                                         Will it lead to temptation?  Does it give the appearance of evil? Does it violate your conscience?    How will it affect others? Pray, then make a decision.

Proceed with these steps:            -         Pray            -         Study the scriptures            -         Listen to the voice of the Holy                   Spirit and miraculous guidance if                    given      -         Seek Christian counsel            -         Analyze the circumstances            -         Use Biblical keys to direction            -         Make decision            -         Check the God of peace.

Check the God of peace.   If you do not have peace, continue to seek the Lord using the method above.

The first step in this decision making model is to identify the problem, question, or life situation for which guidance is sought. Next, search the written Word of God to see if the problem is dealt with by commandment, example, or general principle.

If the answer is "Yes", it is dealt with in the written Word of God, then make the decision based upon this written revelation.   

If the answer is "No," determine whether the decision to be made involves a questionable practice or a real life situation.

¨    Questionable Practices

A questionable practice is something not dealt with in Scripture as either right or wrong. It can involve a choice of entertainment or leisure activities, a habit, permissible food or drinks, style of dress, or day on which to worship.

If the decision with which you are faced involves a questionable practice, ask yourself the questions listed above in the first column. These are Biblical principles for guidance in questionable situations.  Answer each of these questions and pray, then make your decision on the basis of your answers to the questions. 

¨    Life Situation

A life situation can include, but is not limited to, decisions regarding marriage, ministry, occupation, residence, choice of churches, etc.  It is a choice which can affect your future life in a major way.

For decisions on life issues, 

       Ö  review the steps in the second column.  Always: 
       Ö  first pray about the decision. 
       Ö  Ask God for His will to be accomplished in your life. 
       Ö  Ask Him for wisdom to make the right decision. 
       Ö  Praise Him for guidance to make the right decision. 
       Ö  Ask others to pray with you. 
       Ö  Study the Scriptures and as you study, 
       Ö  claim the promises for direction given in the written Word of God.

Listen to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks God's will into your heart. Acknowledge supernatural revelation, should God choose to send it. These might include dreams, visions, angels, an audible voice from God, or other special forms of guidance in harmony with God's Word.

Seek Christian counsel. Analyze the circumstances affecting the decision. Use the Biblical keys for direction:   

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.     Proverbs 3:5-6

On the basis of agreement of these methods, make a decision.

On decisions not specifically dealt with by Biblical command, principle, or example, the God of peace is your guide. When you make a decision on a questionable practice or life situation and you do not have peace in your spirit, continue to seek the Lord using the steps outlined above. Do not make a final decision until you have the peace of God confirming your choice.

Though we most often want what we want when we want it, never be in a hurry:

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.   Psalms 27:14

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.   Psalms 62:5

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.  Psalms 37:7

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

Let us not be like Saul and make hasty decisions without weighing the balance of the results (1 Samuel 13:8-12)  Saul was in a hurry and made a decision which cost him the kingdom.   

Nehemiah waited for direction from God and the right timing, and he became part of the rebuilding of a kingdom. (book of Nehemiah).

Wait on God and follow His instructions.

(Biblical Studies)

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01/22/21