“Whatever your will is Lord, please let me know.”
How many of us have prayed this prayer, then either sat in awkward silence, or rushed about our day, hoping for an obvious sign or divine intervention because we can’t discern God’s will from a stick in the mud. And of course to rub it in, we’re perpetually surrounded by friends talking in earnest about how God told them what to eat for breakfast, and which book to read that day.
When faced with an especially difficult or weighty decision, it can be so stressful not knowing God’s will, or sensing for sure where He’s leading. Decisions like whether to leave the security of a nine to five to finally pursue that start up, or whether to take your kids out of public school can feel utterly crushing when we’re not absolutely sure what God wants us to do. Thankfully, God is always listening and working on our behalf, even when we don’t sense His leading, like, at all. Here are a few ways to position yourself to discern God’s will in whatever decision you’re agonizing over, today.
#4: Girl, Read That Bible
I’ll admit. I hesitated including this point because the idea of turning to the Word feels so obvious to even the newest of Christians. But then I remembered all the days, weeks and even months spent not reading my Bible during stressful seasons of life, and how hard the enemy works to keep us from all the guidance, insight and promises found in scripture. It never fails to amaze me how the same book, read for decades, still brings fresh revelation, wisdom and guidance when we need it most. Unfortunately, as we’ve all experienced, we’re not guaranteed an immediate “aha!” moment every time we click the Bible app, or yell, “hey Siri, read me Psalm!” One arbitrary flip to Leviticus chapter 3 will probably not answer help us decide whether to put our kid on ADHD meds or not. But, if we keep at it, He absolutely does give us insight and guidance for the exact issue at hand. He absolutely will speak through His word, if we slow down, and give it time.
#2: Make Sure You’re Ready for An Answer
This one’s a toughy, isn’t it? Am I the only to have cringed, danced with denial or straight up ignored God when His revealed will sounds about as good as diving into a poison ivy patch? Sometimes I think God takes a bit longer showing us his will because He knows we’re not quite ready to trust and obey. If He says “yes” to remaining in a currently loveless marriage, or “no” to an exciting opportunity that would take away from family time, we may not listen if our hearts aren’t truly eager for His direction. In times of wavering faith, we need onto the Romans 8:28 assurance that God always has our best in mind and that all things work together for good to those who love God. He never calls us to anything we can’t handle, or won’t equip us for, and he’ll never leave us to ‘figure the rest out” on our own, when we do follow his will. Simply put: Even when it feels scary, or unfamiliar or uncomfortable…God’s will is always best.
#3: Resist Asking For A Sign
I’ll never forget staring up at the night sky one particularly desperate night, asking God to send a shooting star, right then and there, if I was supposed to leave a toxic relationship. I thought my heart would burst with overwhelming love, shock and gratefulness as a streak of stardust instantly danced across the darkness that next second. God is so good, and He of course sometimes does offer tangible, supernatural signs to help us along the way, at certain points during our lives, but I do believe these acts are more the rarity, than the norm. Even those who claim to have heard the voice of God, usually only experience this once in a lifetime. Instead of asking God for a clear and undeniable sign that this is indeed time to become a foster parent, or change jobs, or have another baby, pay attention to the often overlooked but very real guideposts He’s providing, all the time.
This could be as simple as listening to the advice of Christian friends, journaling our thoughts with Him, or paying attention to our own bodies. This may sound humanistic or New Agey at first glance, but through the years I’ve learned how often God gives us direction through our own physicality. For example, if you notice yourself feeling tense, or experiencing heart palpitations when you’re exposed to, or thinking about a situation your seeking God’s will on, don’t ignore it. God made us body, mind and soul, and our body’s stress indicators are created to let us know something’s not quite right. For example, I remember feeling physically suffocated, like I couldn’t breathe every time I hung out with the “neck tattoo” guy back in my twenties. Just sayin.’ God is faithful.
#4: Remember God Is In Control
No one likes hearing it, but while we’re on this side of heaven, we’re gonna take the wrong turn, once and a while. I’ve seen friends start churches where they weren’t supposed to, miss divine opportunities because they hesitated in fear, and even disobey out of pride. The wisest, most mature, spirit-filled of us will at some point, make the wrong decision. But one of the most comforting truths to ponder when fearing failure or regret, is that the Lord will never, ever, let us crash and burn, even when we epically go wrong. You may leave a job too early. Or get a divorce before really trying. Or sue that company instead of turning the other cheek. God’s got you. And it’s going to be okay. Think about all the past mistakes we’ve made or wrong choices we’ve committed, and hasn’t he always rescued us? He’s numbered all our days, He knows the entirety of your future, and there’s nothing you can do to hinder His good plans. When the weight of your current decision feels unbearable, remember God sees your heart, knows your needs, and He’s already worked (and maybe even re-worked) every detail, of every circumstance for your good. This doesn’t mean we should ever stop seeking His will. It just means the burden of fear and worry is His to bear. He’s that capable, He’s that willing, and He’s that good.
For more on hearing from God, check out my post, “Six Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life.” xo
