I happen to be married to one of the best cooks this side of the 49th parallel. My wife loves to cook, and she loves to try out new recipes. And so it was no surprise when one day she announced she was going to try a new recipe called “pumpkin peanut butter soup.”
Now looking at the recipe it seemed like a pretty good menu item. I mean, who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? And everybody loves peanut butter, unless you’re allergic to it. So when the big moment came and she devotedly set it on the table, I eagerly helped myself.
Now, I didn’t have to say a thing. I didn’t have to say it was good. I didn’t have to say it was not good. I didn’t even use one of my favorite guinea pig expressions like, “It’s very interesting dear,” or “It’s different.” I simply looked at her and she knew that pumpkin peanut butter soup was not going to be served at our dinner table ever again.
The Bible says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8). Many struggle with making decisions in their lives. Many are looking for direction. Many are at a crossroads and are not sure which way is the safe path. Our young people are especially vulnerable with the many choices before them on life’s journey.
We face a lot of big decisions in our lifetime. In fact our marriages are shaped by the choices we make. Our financial condition is shaped by the choices we make.
The choices we make will determine what kind of relationship we will have with God. Nothing happens in this world without choices being made–for good or not so good.
The promise is clear from the Bible that God will show you the right way and will guide you.
However there are a few things that will help when you are seeking to know what God’s will is for your life.
1) Be willing and surrendered. Psalms 11:10 says, “A good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” If you want to understand where God is leading you ask Him to give you a submissive heart.
2) Read the Bible. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105)
When you are searching for God’s will you need to open the Bible more than you normally would. Many times I have been reading the Bible and a verse will pop out with some specific direction about something I have been asking God’s guidance on.
3) Pray (and fast). “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). Fasting often clears the mind and helps us separate the carnal desires from spiritual priorities. To put it more simply, it enhances the radio reception between God and the fine electrical impulses in the brain where God impresses our minds.
4) Listen to others. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). When searching for God’s will find others who have good judgment and who will be honest with you. I have learned over the years to listen carefully to my wife because sometimes our wives can see and hear things that we men can’t.
5) Be patient. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” (Isaiah 40:31). Sometimes God just wants us to wait and give Him time to work.
Those who are waiting patiently on God, those who are searching His word and who are allowing Him to guide in their lives, will only need a look from Him. If you have spread your life before Him and asked for direction, you can be sure He is guiding in your life.
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they.” Matthew 6:26.
Remember, there is no need to worry because God has a plan for your future. Your future today is brighter and more hopeful than it has ever been.