A good friend of mine recently told me of some struggles he's having over an issue in his life. He's been praying and praying to God, but has not been able to hear God's voice lead Him to the right path. This friend says his prayers have been like "wrestling with God" - full voice appeals, wringing of hands, impatience and intensity building. He is seeking God's will, and is asking God to light the way to follow - but God seems to be silent on the matter.
What advice would you give?
A wise man once told me of a time in his life of similar struggles. He was riding in the car, mulling over his particular decision, and just happened to be listening to the radio when a segment came on called "How can you know God's will for your life?" - funny how God works like that. The radio program provided guidance through answering 10 questions. This man quickly wrote the questions down, and after pondering them, all of the sudden he was holding a candle of light in his darkness, clearly bringing into view the path he should follow. I asked him if he still had those questions - they are provided below.
We all come to these crossroads in our lives - maybe you are in the middle of one today. Maybe this post is God putting that candle in your hand...
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“How can you know God’s will for your life”:
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1. Is the choice you are going to make spiritually profitable?
2. Will it build you up and bring you spiritual benefit? Will the decision you are contemplating help you with self-discipline and cultivate self-control?
3. Will the decision you make slow you down in the spiritual race? (We are called to lay aside every sin and wait on God). Will the decision cause you to carry excessive baggage in your life?
4. Will the decision bring you into bondage?
a. 1st Corinthians 6:12 – Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial.
Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything. …
5. Will the decision you make bring a covering or protection for your sin?
6. Does the decision you make fit into the will of God as you know it? If it is a matter of conscious, never go against your conscious.
7. Will your decision help other Christians by it’s example?
8. Will your decision lead people to Christ or away from Christ? Will people see a positive difference in your life?
9. Would Jesus do it?
10. And ultimately will the decision Glorify God?
a. 1st Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink or WHATEVER you do, do it ALL for the
glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God –
even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good
of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.
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