by Neil Anderson

January 27

Psalm 25:5 NIV 

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.

The next five questions [view the first five from yesterday’s devotional here] to ask yourself regarding God’s will are to help you when facing a change in direction.

Is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn’t bypass our mind; He operates through it: “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). We are warned in Scripture not to put our mind in neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true (Philippians 4:8, 9).

Does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme, let it go. If it isn’t God’s timing, wait. If a realistic opportunity exists, and all the other factors are in agreement, then take the plunge. God may open a window of opportunity, but it will close if not taken advantage of. The faithless man asks, “What do I stand to lose if I do?” The faithful man asks, “What do I risk losing if I don’t?”

Are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in agreement? Be careful not to consult only those who will agree with you. Give your advisors permission to ask hard questions. Don’t be afraid of “no” answers. If it isn’t God’s will, don’t you want to know before you make the mistake of acting impulsively?

Do I have a sanctified desire? Don’t think that being in the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of the Lord should be our strength. I find my greatest joy in serving God and being in His will. But don’t get the idea that if everything is wonderful, you must be in the will of God. Is this a desire to satisfy a lust of the flesh or a Spirit-filled desire to see God’s kingdom established and people helped?

Do I have a peace about it? This is an inner peace. Is the peace of God guarding your heart and mind?

If you have been able to answer yes to all 10 of these deciding factors, what are you waiting for?

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that I can trust You with the details and direction of my life today.