Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15
Often we are confused about whether or not something is from God.
We long to know God’s will, and we long to discern if something is of God.
A Pharisee named Gamaliel figured out this dilemma. The Sadducees made the Apostles appear before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court, to be questioned by the high priest concerning their bold preaching of the gospel.
The priests had given the Apostles strict orders not to teach about Jesus, but the Apostles disregarded their orders. God told them to “Go, tell the people the full message of this new life,” and the Apostles obeyed. The Sadducees were furious with them, but Gamaliel simply said, “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.” This is a great guideline or test for us when we are uncertain if something is of God. We simply need to remember that if the activity is of human origin, it will fail. If it is of God, it will prevail.
Are you faced with a decision to make? Have you prayed and sought the will of God and still are unsure? There are some practical ways to line up with the will of God. Using the analogy of navigation lights, you must line up the range markers in order to stay in the channel. To stay in the channel of God’s will, there are several markers that are helpful:
- It will line up with Scripture.
- Circumstances will line up.
- The peace of the Lord will be your plumb line.
There are other ways to line up with the will of God, but these three are significant as you seek to know God’s will. Sometimes you are still unsure if it is God’s will, but there are no apparent roadblocks. At times like that, I often choose to step out in faith, trusting that the Lord will turn me back if I am on the wrong path: Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.
(Proverbs 3:5) At other times I wait on the Lord until I have more direction:
The Lord is faithful; if you seek Him you will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13)
Heavenly Father,
I am struggling with a difficult decision. I keep praying and still have no direction. Help me to trust You in this and not depend on my own wisdom. Help me to seek Your wisdom and direction, believing that You will answer.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
