This week I'll firehose some of the other ways I look for God's direction in my life. I hope it helps you in your journey, as it has mine. This is not a definitive list, but rather an organic one—as I learn and grow and study the word in each season.
Identify the "Why" behind what you are doing.
Is the “why” behind what I am doing worth living for? Always bring yourself back to the why. If the reason behind it is to bring glory to God and walk obediently with Him, then you can move forward unapologetic about what you’re doing. The “why” needs to go beyond yourself.
I find that the “why” with God is often twofold. When God spoke to Abraham in Genesis 12, His purpose was to bless others and to bring glory to His name. Isaiah 43:7 states that God has made us “for His glory.” If what we are contemplating is only about us, blessing us, and making our name famous, it’s not honestly a worthy goal.
I find that when God speaks to me, the primary purpose of what I’m doing is to bring glory and honor to Him and to help others. To help others come to know Him in a deeper, more meaningful way and come alive to their purpose in Him.
Ask for confirmation from Godly people in your life.
This isn’t always a sure way to know if what is being spoken is God, but I use it just the same. Ask other people you love and admire whether or not they sense God moving and speaking in this area of your life.
Make sure they are people that know you and care about you. People who want to see you live up to your potential in God. People who actually want to see you walk in obedience, with no hidden agenda. People who love God themselves and want His best for their lives and yours.
Identify if it's a passion point.
Am I passionate about this area that I am pursuing? Does it render itself to gloriously sleepless nights as I lie in bed, smile plastered on my face as I dream about it? Sometimes, there are passion points that reverberate so deeply in your soul, you can’t help but move on them.
Don't disregard your points of passion. Many times it’s a signal that God is stirring deep inside. God tells us in Psalm 37:4 that as we delight in Him, "He will give you the desires of your heart." Even if it seems impossible, nothing is impossible with God. He can and will bring the right people, the right resources, and the right open doors for you to be able to walk fully in the plan He has for your life. I guarantee it!
Ask yourself the "Big Question."
This is a great one. It’s not a super spiritual assessment, but this question has literally put movement in my soul, initiating obedience in my life with full-on passion. The question I ask
myself is this: Will I look back in ten years and regret that I didn’t respond in obedience to what I thought God was asking of me?
Or, put another way: will I regret not doing what’s in front of me?
If my answer is a resounding “yes,” I need to start moving forward. When I put the decision before me in that sort of perspective, it reinforces the importance of my obedience today. My obedience today will affect my tomorrows. God’s word says in James 4 that not one of us is promised tomorrow. This should encourage us to live our best today. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to put off obedience. I know that my obedience will not only affect my life, but the lives of those around me. Who knows if your one simple act of obedience today will touch a generation of lives tomorrow?
Let yourself be led by the peace of God.
I can’t tell you how many times the peace of God has led my life. There are decisions that I have made, and that we have made as a family or in ministry, that don’t seem like the logical option. Despite all logic, there is always peace marked on the road God has called us to travel, even when it seems like the illogical way.
The peace of God is a gift. It is not the absence of difficulty, but rather an inward strength and assurance that remains despite our circumstances. When I don’t experience peace for extended periods of time, I know that something is out of line in my life and it’s time to realign my life to the Word of God and His purpose for me.
"Even if it doesn’t make sense, if I have God’s peace about something, I often know it is God’s direction. 'His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:6)."
Photo Credit: Maria Orlova from pexels.com | Design by Milan Klusacek | milanklusacek.com
Comments