Knowing His Will

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Leah attempted to stifle the familiar feeling of anxiety threatening to overtake her. She longed to be obedient to God, but sometimes it seemed truly difficult to know His will. She wrestled with so many decisions, and she knew this anxiety could not be His intention for her. Now she had been offered an exciting ministry position requiring increased responsibility and an extra time commitment.

“Oh, God,” she cried out, “how can I know what Your will is for me regarding this?” Even as she prayed, she recalled a discussion with her friend Bonnie about seeking God’s will.

Bonnie had said, “First I read Scripture and then I pray, asking God to speak and help me hear. Then I ask godly friends for counsel. I see how the opportunity fits with my passion and gifts. I also remember God often calls me to work that requires His power to keep me dependent on Him. I then ask Him to confirm what I’m thinking and hearing.”

Leah remembered the words from Psalm 94:19: “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul” (NASB). She relaxed, knowing God would show her what she needed to see.

Today’s culture offers a multitude of choices. Our lives are bombarded with decisions, from what to eat, wear, and drive, to where we’ll live and work, to whom we’ll marry. We could become immobilized just anticipating choices and their outcomes. For Christians wanting to serve and please God, making these decisions can be especially difficult. But remember that we serve a God who “is a wonderful teacher” and who gives “great wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29). We can turn to Him through Bible reading and prayer, and He will direct our paths.

Rest Assured

Father, You are my Wonderful Counselor. Thank You that You will direct my path and order my steps for Your purposes.

Rest in Him: Proverbs 2:1-6