Discerning God's Leading

The day I proposed marriage to Candy was one of the worst days of my life—before I proposed! We were in college then, and we were scheduled to go out to dinner that evening. During the afternoon I walked into a field behind my dorm, sat down on a rock, and prayed, feeling terrified by the commitment I was about to make.

Meanwhile, Candy could tell that something was up. She thought, He's been acting strangely. Either he's going to break up with me or ask me to marry him. Uncertain what the outcome would be, she went out into a field behind her dorm and prayed.

What must things have looked like that afternoon from God's perspective? He was looking down on two people crying out to him for help, while neither Candy nor I realized that we were both praying about the same thing at the same time. We were worried and stressed, but from the Lord's vantage-point, he could see ahead of time that everything was going to turn out fine. Candy accepted my proposal that night, and we have been happily married for 27 years.

Life is like a TV picture that consists of thousands of little colored dots. We see one dot. God sees the big picture.

Maybe your journey with God is an exact science; but for most of us, it can be quite a challenge to discern God's leading on a day-to-day basis. The Bible says, "Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise. . . . Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:15, 17). When you face a difficult decision, how can you discover the path God prefers for you to take?

1. Search the Scriptures. Many times you'll find that God has already answered your question in the Bible. Should you marry an unbeliever? No! (2 Corinthians 6:14). Should you tell your clients the truth? Yes! (Ephesians 4:25). Should you arrange your life so you'll have maximum impact in spreading the gospel of Christ? Yes! (Matthew 28:18-20). Someone has said, "He needs no call who has a command." Even when you can't find a verse that pertains directly to your situation, God's Word will provide comfort, perspective, and a framework to guide your decision.
2. Evaluate your motives. Are you trying too hard to please others? Are your motives tainted by impatience, selfish ambition, or an unholy desire for money? Be honest with God. Ask him to weed out any selfishness and sin. (If you can figure out what Satan would prefer you do, simply do the opposite and you'll be fine!)
3. Seek wise counsel. Proverbs 19:20 says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." Talk things over with your family and trusted friends who know the Lord, know the Bible, and know you. Ask for their prayers, and for their honest perspective.
4. Fast and pray. "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. . . . And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:11, 18). For me, it helps to spend time outdoors with my Bible, a bottle of water to drink, a pen, and a small notebook for journaling.
5. Trust and obey. When you have covered every reasonable base, don't be afraid. Step out and act in faith. "While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey."