CAN YOU SMELL WHAT GOD IS DOING?

We want to know God’s will from the Scripture. We want to hear God’s voice and pray with confidence. But sometimes the best we get is “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us”. Not, “Thus Saith the Lord”. Just “It seemed good”.

The reality of the Christian life is that though we expect to hear God’s voice, we don’t always have absolute certainty. So we need wisdom and spiritual discernment to be able to sniff out what God is up to in our lives.

START WITH WHAT YOU KNOW

If you want to know God’s will in your life it’s pretty easy. He wants you to love your neighbor as yourself. He wants you to abstain from sexual immorality. He wants you to be kind to the poor. He wants you to tithe. He wants you to pray and not give up. He wants you to forgive. You don’t have to wonder. There are enough standing orders in scripture, that if you follow those, you are in good shape.

ASK EASIER QUESTIONS

Sometimes asking God “What should I do?” is too broad – not so much for him, but for your ability to process. Ask yes or no questions. “Is it this?” or “Is it this?” Wait . . . Wait . . . Try again. Practice when the stakes aren’t so high and with little things and it will be easier when it comes time for the big decisions.

GET WISDOM FROM A FRIEND

We never make our best decisions alone. Get wisdom from trusted others. Part of the reason we all need to be in a group of some sort is that we need other Christians we can trust who can seek God with us and give us wise advice. That doesn’t mean they are always right. But often there is safety in a number of advisors, especially ones who are walking with God.

START WITH GOOD ASSUMPTIONS

He is always with you and he is always for you. Don’t let lack of clarity or answers to your prayers lead you to agree with any lies of the enemy about God. Assume the truth of Romans 8. In fact, read it now from beginning to end to remind you of who you are and what is true about you and about God and his plans for you. Jody will teach you more Sunday.