When faced with options in which I have no clue what to do, I often pray, “Lord, just give me a clear yes or a no.” Since God knows best, even though an initial “no” means more waiting, I haven’t wasted time going down a dead end. But, what do we do when no option seems right?
1. Fish in the right pond.
The Bible provides wisdom to protect us from unwise choices. While it won’t specify which business model to use, it tells us to be honest. It doesn’t name the person to marry, but it says, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14 NLT) and “Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Tim. 2:22 NLT). We don’t fish for God’s best in a pond He’s marked, “No Fishing.”
2. Practice what you know.
In Matthew 7:24-29, Jesus told a story of two men who experienced the same storm. One came through virtually unscathed. The other suffered great loss. The difference? The first man practiced what he knew. It’s not enough to know what the Bible says; blessed are those who do what it says (James 2:22-25). Is there something you know you should be doing that you’ve neglected—or vice-versa?
But there are times when we’ve implemented the above and still feel baffled. What do we do then? For example:
- Which job offer do I take?
- Do I go on this mission trip?
- Which medical treatment is best for me?
How do we discern God’s will in these types of decisions when there is no clear yes or no?
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV).
We don’t have to know what to do. We need to know whom to follow.
3. Keep your eyes on the Lord.
The God who used a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night to guide the children of Israel through the wilderness still leads us today.
Instead of pillars of cloud and fire, God uses His Word, His Spirit, and our desires.
Psalm 23 says, the Lord “guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalms 23:3 NASB). Our well-being doesn’t rest on our ability to discern the nuances of our options but on making Him Lord over all of our lives. God’s very reputation rests on how well He shepherds us!
Our well-being doesn’t rest on our ability to discern the nuances of our options but on making Him Lord over all of our lives. God’s very reputation rests on how well He shepherds us! #guidance, #security Click To TweetWhen I walk with God, He plants longings in my heart that reflect His desires for me (Psalm 37:4). For example, in deciding between two jobs, one may look good on paper, but I’m not drawn to it. Another job has some unknowns, but after exploring and praying, the desire to try it won’t leave.
If I try it and it doesn’t turn out like I hoped, it may provide skills and contacts that take me to another opportunity that hasn’t yet appeared. God may have me there to minister to someone for a time. Our Shepherd holds our hands.
4. Trust
God created us to run on faith, not fear or guilt (James 1:6-8). Decisions birthed from faith in Christ delight Him and produce peace and joy.
God created us to run on #faith, not fear or guilt. Decisions birthed from faith in Christ delight Him and produce #peace and joy. Click To TweetThe next time you don’t know what to do, try approaching God with the joy and confidence of a well-loved child. Bring Him your dilemma and ask Him to lead you. Then trust Him to direct your steps as you go (Psalms 37:23).
Resources
Give Yourself a Break From Temptation and Spiritual Warfare.
Free e-book on Amazon from May 25-29, 2020.
Temptation is common. But Victory isn’t. Whether we fight impatience or wrestle with pride, greed, discouragement, or sexual temptation, God has promised a way out of each snare.
Give Yourself a Break from Temptation and Spiritual Attacks will equip you to:
• Quiet the battle in your mind
• Identify your enemy’s tactics
• Live in partnership with the Lord
• Win your spiritual battles
This is the fourth book in the Give Yourself a Break e-book series. This series covers the same lessons found in the original Give Yourself a Break ten-chapter study.
Virtual Summer Studies for Women.
Give Yourself a Break: facilitated by Debbie Wilson on Zoom,
Don’t let worry, guilt, unreasonable people, or unrealistic expectations steal your peace and joy. Experience the simplicity of trusting Jesus.
June 2-August 11th, 2020
Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. EST. The first meeting will be a meet and greet followed by 10 weeks of discussion.
Email LighthouseMinistries@mac.com to sign up.
Little Faith, Big God: facilitated by Ginny Wilson on Zoom.
What if I told you God cares more about you than your performance? Let the ordinary people from Hebrews 11 show you how to live strong and finish well.
8 weeks on Tuesday evenings beginning June 9, 2020, from 6:45-8:30 p.m. EST
Email LighthouseMinistries@mac.com to sign up.
Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Thanks to Gia Oris for sharing their work on Unsplash.
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory #Recharge Wednesday, #WorthBeyondRubies #TuneinThursaday, #Dance with Jesus, #Grace&Truth,
As always, such great wisdom here. Thank you, Debbie, for always making it so clear and simple to follow His Word.
Thank you, Ann. I always learn so much from your blog.
Thank you for this encouragement. I am trusting God. I am running on #faith, not fear or guilt. Amen. 🙂
Awesome, Melissa! I love that declaration of faith and trust.
Great post, and wonderful counsel here Ms. Debbie. Seldom do I ever get a “Yes” or “No” from God, but I get a lot of “Search my Word” and “Search your heart for my Word” from Him. Often times, He’ll guide me to what His word had already told me, but not yet taught me perhaps. It is by faith that we can take the next step. Part of my faith is knowing that He is with me, and should I step off the path He’s laid out for me, He’ll help me to find my way back. God’s blessings ma’am.
J.D., knowing He is always with us is a great comfort and delivers us from fear. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Beautifully written Debbie! In this corona virus season of so many unknowns, I have struggled with what do I do, how do I respond, and battled fear at the hospital working as a nurse. So many struggling everywhere with financial, health, and spiritual issues! I have been looking for His wisdom and you have fed me this morning! Grateful for the guidance from the scriptures from your blog as you have counseled us well. “Fish in the right pond!”. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12. He will guide me daily on what to do! He will guide us all thru this wilderness in our families, our country and our nation. I will bring to Him each dilemma and ask Him to direct my steps and TRUST HIM as a well loved child.
Ellen, it is overwhelming with all the loud voices that want to tell us how to live. Jesus says come to me, and I will give you rest! Thank you for your work. I know He will lead you!
Fine foursome…I especially like the first cuz it makes me smile. Yes, we do need to fish in the “right” pond.
Thanks, Linda. Glad it made you smile. 🙂
This is so good. Its practical and can be life-changing for many people.
I shared it twice in Twitter.
Thank you, Connie! God bless!
“Fish in the right pond.” That phrase is going to remain with me, Debbie. I also appreciate your thoughts about how God directs our desires as we trust in Him. So comforting!
Thank you, Lois! Blessings to you.
Debbie, you have summed up (almost) everything I believe about prayer in 5 words: “fish in the right pond”. Love it!
That’s awesome! Thanks, Laurie.
Wonderful post! I loved this line, “We don’t fish for God’s best in a pond He’s marked, ‘No Fishing.’”
Thank you, Josie. Blessings!
What a marvelous presentation of these glorious verses woven together.