Decisions and God’s Will

by Jeff Ryder By the Son

While on a road trip sharing about the work, I was able to visit the very spot where it all began. Though the university that I attended no longer exists and a once vibrant campus sat silently that Sunday afternoon, the spot where I acknowledged to the Lord that I would go and be a missionary looks the same today as it did 37 years ago. Though just a parking lot between the bookstore and gymnasium, it is still a special place to me. There is no commemorative plague. No historical marker. Just a memory-milestone for me of great significance – a decision.

37 years ago I made the decision to become a missionary at this exact spot.

In thinking about that decision, I thought it worth the reminder of the process of determining God’s will in a decision. Here are five steps I’ve used in my life.

  1. Is it in the arena of God’s will? If this concern is not verified in the Scriptures as being in the will of God it is not viable. Stop here. It is not even a justifiable decision to even be praying about. (ie. The consideration of buying a house that will put you in significant debt, move you to an area far away from a church and cause you to work overtime resulting in you neglecting your family…is not God’s will)
  2. Do you sense God’s prompting? Sometimes we need to be open to new areas we have not even considered. Sometimes we need to decide between two good things. God often creates in us a desire once we are open to His will. A curious interest was on my heart the entire week before I made the decision in that parking lot. I did not want to react emotionally so I prayed for confirmation.
  3. Ask God, for clarity. I believe James 1:5 applies here. Ask God for the wisdom necessary to decide His will. He wants you to know it.
  4. Wait. Personally, I hate this part. If you are the type of person who wants it NOW this will be difficult.  But, it is necessary in the process. And, hindsight always proves it to be valuable because God is doing other things behind the scene.  Probably setting up your transition after the decision.  Trust Him in this.
  5. Act. God will make His will known. When He does, don’t hesitate. Make the decision and humbly walk in the confidence of the Lord. Where He guides, He provides and sustains.

What a thrill to consult the One who sustains all life and all circumstance!

Enjoy the journey.