A door closes.
Was that God?
A new opportunity appears.
Was that God?
Something becomes difficult.
Does that mean stop?
Not necessarily.
One danger in talking about God’s direction is turning every inconvenience into a secret message from heaven.
Scripture gives us something sturdier than that.
Start With Scripture
God’s guidance will not require us to disobey what Scripture clearly teaches.
That gives us our first filter.
Before asking whether something “feels right,” ask whether it is consistent with God’s revealed character and instruction.
Pray for Wisdom, Not Just the Answer You Want
There is a difference between:
“God, show me what You want.”
and:
“God, please make what I already decided work.”
Most of us have prayed the second prayer with the first prayer’s vocabulary.
Paul’s question in Acts 22 is refreshingly open:
“What shall I do, Lord?”
Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes wisdom and counsel.
Mature Christian counsel can help us see what emotion makes difficult to recognize.
Choose people who will tell you the truth, not simply the people most likely to agree with you.
Do Not Treat Difficulty as Automatic Rejection
Paul’s ministry was hardly easy.
Difficulty alone is not proof that you are outside God’s will.
Likewise, ease is not automatic proof that you are inside it.
That matters in ordinary life.
A difficult first month at a new job does not necessarily mean, “God told me to quit.”
Perhaps you need time.
Perhaps you need wisdom.
Perhaps you need to leave.
Discernment requires more than reacting to discomfort.
Look for Faithful Next Steps
Sometimes we become paralyzed because we want a ten year answer to a Tuesday problem.
Paul was told to continue into Damascus.
He did not receive every detail of his future at once.
Ask:
What is the wisest faithful step I can take next?
Then take it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin with Scripture, prayer, wisdom, mature counsel and honest examination of your motives rather than relying on one circumstance or feeling.
No. A closed opportunity may have many explanations. Christians should be cautious about claiming divine meaning for every circumstance.
Inner peace can matter, but subjective feelings should not replace Scripture, wisdom and sound judgment.
Paul’s simple question is a useful starting point: “What shall I do, Lord?”
Looking for a church where you can grow in faith and understand the Bible?
You are invited to worship with us at Mt. Moriah. Whether you have been in church your entire life or you are just beginning to explore faith, there is a place for you here.
