Determining God's will

Beyond what scripture proclaims explicitly, we don't. It becomes a silly obsession. For the one who said God uses "every detail," and beats around the bush with it, or nags us, or shoves us in that direction... do you go to a shopping mall, look around in 11 shops over 2 or 3 hours, then go to the concession area and stand there saying, "Oh Lord, I'm thirsty, but is it your will that I buy a cola, an orange aid, a root beer, or that I throw those 6 quarters in the nearest fountain?" Every detail, you know.

 

Interesting responses...

I can understand a response such as Archippus's. But I cannot understand a response such as Alcott's and some of the others who mock the idea of listening for God's will at every point in our lives. If you are a Christian, that means you are a follower of Christ. How can you follow if you don't listen for His voice and yield to His directions?

All I can assume, then, is that these people not only don't have that kind of relationship with the Lord, but they want to hold on to their own independence enough not to have a relationship like that. That, to me, is very sad.

Archippus, how do I know? The best way I can explain it is 'experience.' At first, when I did want to go my own way on any number of things, I would feel maybe an uncomfortableness about it. Undeterred, I would follow through on my own and almost always there was a price of some kind to pay that I could recognize rather quickly. I'm a little slow, but I gradually learned to be more aware of that inner nudge. A few times I experimented with obeying it. The results were quite positive. It was a matter of God having me in training, and that's the best way I know how to say it.

No voices, no angels, and not even any emotions. Just an internal nudge, sometimes strengthening to almost a demand. If you do not have a marriage partner to confirm with, ask a Christian friend you trust as a Christian to please pray about whatever it is and see if what you are thinking is confirmed by him or her. And for sure read your Bible daily and know His Word. There will be times when a particular verse or passage will almost leap up and hit you in the face -- for no reason you can think of, perhaps. Or perhaps as a response from God regarding a query you have. But this can't happen if you don't read your Bible! This has happened to both my husband and me a number of times.

The most important thing to know is, though, that God knows you intimately -- even better than you know yourself. And He will communicate with you on an individual level that is to some extent unique to you. Remember Elijah looking for God's voice in the noisier and more dramatic parts of nature -- and not hearing it there? He heard it in the quiet. Don't look for drama. Learn to pay attention to at least the idea of Christ and spiritually and mentally look to Him for guidance in everything.

Everything? Yes. It will get so that sometimes it only needs an attentive heart and no prayer at all. Circumstances are also used by Him. The line for that Coke may be too long and the drinking fountain nearby will suffice nicely. There are times when I have wanted that Coke, but the thought comes to mind that I have had enough caffeine for the day. "Oh yeah, Lord. Thanks."

Everything.

I have never found looking to the Lord for everything in my life to be a silly obsession. I have found Him to be willing to be involved and found myself to be far more useful to Him when I am paying attention to Him. "Not my will, but Thine, Lord."

I hope those words sound familiar.

It becomes a way of life.

I want to close with an example of a time when my husband was feeling a clear leading from the Lord which ran against the advice of many. He obeyed God, and the blessing has been far more than we ever expected.

His sister is epileptic and autistic, but high functioning. Barry was never married until we married three years ago; instead he had spent a good deal of time since he was a young man helping look after his widowed, and then invalid, mother and his sister. After their mother died, about eight years ago, Marilyn considered Barry HERS. She was terrified about what might happen to her without him around.

And so when we were married, we did not tell her. Instead, Barry felt that the Lord had put a very strong hold on her knowing and we kept it from her. It wasn't too hard, actually, as we spent our honeymoon there in a hotel in Adelaide, Australia, where we were married and where he lived at the time. He left for home about three each morning from the hotel so he would be there when she woke up and she would not worry. It was weird, and I admit to having protested, but he was sure he was obeying the Lord in this.

For two and a half years she did not know. We were soundly criticized at every turn, and there were times I was terribly impatient with the situation. When I was in Australia, I had to stay with friends and Barry would go back to his sister about two or three every morning. He was able to come to the United States a number of times, and for extended stays, but always it seemed Marilyn was this giant shadow over everything.

Last spring, when he was back in Australia, she walked into his study in the wee hours of one morning and started asking questions about me and my family and what he did here in California. At one point she said, "You could even be married and I wouldn't know!"

At that point the hold was lifted and he knew she was ready to know. And when he told her, she was shocked, yes, but not worried at all. Why? Because for two and a half years he had kept going back to her, and so she already had experienced that he would not desert her for a wife.

And so she wrote a most lovely card to me, calling me her sister-in-law and wrote to my mother, and wanted to know all the names and birthdays of everyone in my family! She became quite excited about having a sister-in-law.

She needed the time to get used to Barry being away for extended times first. Then she was ready to cope with more. The Lord knew that. We didn't, really. We only knew that Barry had received in his heart a VERY strong hold on saying anything to his sister. It was lifted when SHE brought up the subject.

He's back in Australia for a couple of weeks now to spend some holiday time with her and make sure everything is going well. She is happy with the situation and loves to talk to me on the phone. This is more, far more, than we ever dreamed was possible with her.

But Barry knew to obey.

And I am learning.

I don't think that should be mocked.

 

i have struggled with this topic recently. i would suggest a book by elisabeth elliot "God's Guidance: A Slow And Certain Light" it's not a how-to book but instead points you to how God guided people in the Bible; as well as some good practical advise.

i heard her speak recently, and she said something that I have been mulling over. she said that if you are stuck between two decisions and neither go against God, and either could be His choice...then pick the harder one.
her reasoning for that is that God often asks us to will against our own will. and that the Christ follower is travelling on the hard road - not the easy one. it is a life of suffering we are called to - and we should be willing to choose the way that may bring suffering (of any kind). i wish i could remember all she said about that - but that is the general jist of it.

 

This is just my testimony. Right or wrong, it is where I am now.

I've come to the conclusion in regards to my own salvation, that I really do like having all of my decisions made for me (by God himself). I've made choices and regretted them, but I have still seen my Father work in them all. What I am saying is that I would like to be helped more, or to be quicker to step in the right way and not stumble. The frustrating part is not knowing what tomorrow holds in store for me.

So I lean on this kind of Scripture and the depth of wisdom and promise within it. I meditate on it day and night.

So I call on his name, I never lean to my own understanding in complicated matters.

That tends to make me like a sheep. Not aggressive, or ambitious, but still hoping to find my way and affect the lives of others with the power of the Gospel.

That doesn't negate any of the lofty dreams that I dream. I just submit them all to God, hope in Him, strive to be content and focus on this day that is called today.

For me, anything other than saying: If God wills, I will do this thing or that thing or I will go here or there, is for me, evil. There is a depth of wisdom in this Scripture and it is worth my meditation. Wouldn't it be wonderful to think like this: I am here right now, it's God's detailed will for me and I shall not be anxious, but rather I will be content about it. Where I will be tomorrow is up to God and I will not forget his commandments.

Dave.

 

This verse was instrumental in my call to the ministry. For sometime I had a desire to go into full time service, but no "call" to speak of. I was directed to Isa 6:8, and told I should volunteer on the basis of "Her am I send me." I was not satisfied with this counsel. So I continued with an inner compulsion toward ministry, but waiting for some special spiritual experience.

To cut a long story short, the Lord used Psalm 37:4 to show me that the desire of my heart was Divinely planted, and, as you know C4K, I have been in ministry now coming up to 20 years!!

 

It sounds right for a Father to nudge a child in the way he or she should go.

I think there is a solvable mystery and nuggets of gold behind verses like the one you quoted Kildare.

He is Holy.

Dave

 

Thank you, David Mark, Ulsterman, and Christ4Kildare. Yes, I know God puts desires in our hearts, and I very much appreciate the Bible verses quoted.

For a long time, due to past experience, I did not trust my own desires at all! Yes, I was Christian, but the process of raising six children as a single parent, among other things, had left me with a deep desire for peace and quiet and orderliness -- and that is not always either best or possible with six and half the neighborhood! That is just one example of how I often found my desires and what I knew was best in conflict.

One of the most helpful things for me then -- even though I know Ecc. is from man's point of view, was the reminder that for every time there is a season. My peace and quiet would come later but God would give me the strength and wisdom for the here and now. We do walk through storms, and the desire for peace may sometimes cause us to say or do anything to avoid problems when that is not what God wants at all.

And yet, yes, He does put desires in our hearts. Something I have come to recognize with the passing years is a difference between what the 'me' desires for myself and the desire(s) God has put in my heart for His glory. Sometimes the difference is quite subtle, but I am learning to recognize it.

And sometimes the desire is absolutely from God but we try to use our own means to achieve it, and therefore fail miserably. I was talking to my husband about this thread when he called last night and he faxed me something that I am going to take a little time to type out here in part. It is from the book They Found the Secret -- 20 Transformed Lives taht Reveal a Touch of Eternity, by V. Raymond Edman out of Zondervan. He read me the whole of chapter 20 over the phone, and here is just part of it. It starts on page 167:

W. IAN THOMAS
...Reared in a "respectable middle-class English home, he was taken to church and taught its precets. He learned little or nothing of the Bible, however, either at home or in the church attended by the family. At the age of twelve he was invited to a Bible study group of the Crusaders' Union by a lad of thirteen who, during that year, had received Christ as his Savior. The Bible began to be meaningful to young Ian, and the following summer at the age of thirteen he was converted to Christ at a Crusaders' Union Camp. That decision was made when he was alone, and simply by praying earnestly, "Lord Jesus, please be my Savior!"

At the age of fifteen he felt convinced that he should devote all of his life to the service of the Lord Jesus. He told God that he would become a missionary. He began to preach, out in the open air at Hampstead Heath, at that early age. He was also actively engaged n Sunday school work, as well as in the Crusaders' Bible class. Life began to be a round of ceaseless activity.

In 1956 [after he had served in WWII and distinguished himself] Major Thomas came to Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois for a week of meetings. In sharing with the students his experience of what Jesus Christ meant to Him, he gave the following account of those early years of ceaseless but ineffective activity.

Speaking of his youthful decision to become a missionary, he said: "I began to consider the best area in which I could become a missionary, and the best means I could employ to be most effective -- perfectly sincere and genuine questions." The first missionary influence on young Ian's life came through a doctor serving in Nigeria, in the Housa Band. "First impressions are often the strongest," related Major Thomas, and so it became his ambition to one day go and join the Housa Band in Nigeria, West Africa. He thought the best thing for him to do was to become a doctor. "My parents were wonderfully good," he said, "and they gave me choice of any career that I would like, and so I went, at the age of seventeen, to London University to study at St. Bartholomew's Hospital."

At the university Ian became a leader in the Inter-Varsity Fellowship group. If ever there was any evangelistic activity going on, this youthful zealot was "buzzing around the place, every holiday, every spare moment!" He started a slum club down in the East End of London. "Out of a sheer desire to win souls," he said, "to go out and get them. I was a windmill of activity, until, at the age of ninetee, every moment of my day was packed tight with doing things: preaching, talking, counseling."

In the Major's own words we continue his story. "The only thing that alarmed me was that nobody was converted! That gets a little discouraging after a bit, doesn't it? The more I did, the less happened; and it was not a question of insincerity. The prospects and environment were good. There was plenty of ammunition and plenty of target, but just nothing happened! I became deeply depressed, because I really loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart; I wanted to be made a blessing to my fellow men. But I discovered that forever doubling and redoubling my efforts in order to win souls, rushing here and dashing there, taking part in this campaign, taking part in that campaign, preaching in the morning, preaching in the evening, talking to the Bible class, witnessing to this one, counseling with another, did nothing, nothing, nothing to change the utter barrenness, the emptiness, the uselessness of my activity. I tried to make up with noise what I laced in effectiveness and power.

"Thus by the age of nineteen, I had been reduced to a state of complete exhaustion spiritually, until I felt that there was no point in going on; and there was certainly no point in going to Africa as a missionary, because if it was a quesion of energy and earnestness and zeal and doing things, well then, that had failed, and I did not know any other answer. I was prepared to go to Africa and be as useless there as I was already in England. There is nothing magic about getting on a boat! There is nothing magic about changing your geographical position, or putting on a little pair of tropical shorts and a sun helmet! That will not make you a soul-winner overnight. Do not imagine that you will be any more spiritually effective on the mission field than you are in your own home town. Indeed, you will find it a thousand times more difficult!

"Then, one night in November, that year, just at midnight, in my room at home, I got down on my knees before God, and I just wept in sheer despair. I said, 'Oh, God I know that I am saved. I love Jesus Christ. I am perfectly convinced that I am converted. With all my heart I have wanted to serve Thee. I have tried to my uttermost and I am a hopeless failure! So far as doing anything more, I am finished. I am not going to be a missionary. It is useless for me to continue like this. I hate this double life!' That night things happened.

"I can honestly say that I had never once heard from the lips of men the message that came to me then. I never had read it in print; but God, that night, simply focused upon me the Bible message of Christ Who is our LIfe. This was the moment He had been waiting for; seven weary years He had watched me running round and round in the wilderness! He had been waiting for the time when at last I would fall down in hopeless despair. I heard His Voice: "To me to live is Christ...I am the way, the truth, and the life...If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life...When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we appear with Him in glory.' Life! New Life! To me to live is CHRIST!

"It just came from every area of God's Word, and very kindly and lovingly the Lord seemed to make it plain to me that night, through my tears of bitterness: 'You see, for seven years, with utmost sincerity, you have been trying to live FOR Me, on My behalf, the live that I have been waiting for seven years to live THROUGH you. I have been there the whole time. All the things you have been pleading for, all the things for which you have been asking, have been yours since the day seven years ago, at your request and invitation, I came into your heart at that Crusader boys' camp; but yousee, although you have given mental consent to the truth that I have been in your heart, and have accepted it as a theory, yu have lived totally ignoring THE FACT. You have been busy trying to do FOR Me all that only I can do THROUGH you. Now supposing I am your life, and you begin to accept it as a fact, then I am your strength! You have been pleading and begging for that for seven years. I AM your victory in every area of your life, if you want it! I am the One to whom it is perfectly natural to go out and win souls; and I now precisely where to go to find them. Why don't you begin to reckon upon Me and say 'Thank you.'"

The chapter goes on about how radically both his life and approach changed. But his desire to serve the Lord was always strong, both before and after.

Toward the end of the chapter we read this:

Thus, step by step, the Most High led His trusting and obedient servant into paths that he did not foresee nor choose, but they were pathways of service eminently satisfying and always adventurous. Instead of medical school and the mission field, the ministry was evangelism throughout Britain, especially among young people. Before World War II broke out, he had six wonderful years of ever-expnding ministry in sharing the secret of the life that is Christ. Major Thomas testified: "It was just HIS victory. It was just what HE was. I found that the simpler I could make it, the more blessing He gave; and whever I tried to be complicated or clever, He just closed down. Only as I related situations to Him did I find that He untook. As soon as I related a situation to myself, He retired into the background. So I soon learned to count upon Him, because then things happened! That is the secret; it is so simple! Just to relate everything to the Lord Jesus, and take our hands off -- to stand back and say, 'I thank Thee, Lord, this is Thy situation!"

Such a course is not INactivity, as the Major explained, it is simply Christ-activity...

And I can testify myself that is it NOT boring or inactive! It is challenging, exciting, fulfilling, and fruitful. There is enough strength and enough rest. It is not easy, but it is not too hard, either.

It really does depend on looking to Him for every detail, though, even stopping now so that I can go change the diapers of my nineteen year old retarded son, because he must surely be wet by now!

God bless you all.

 

7 fruitless years seems like a lot to me, but to the Father it's all worth it and must be only a blink for him.

Choosing to kneel at the feet of the Christ, kiss his feet and wash his feet with tears, is better than trying to do things for him.

Dave

 

Maybe we should cast lots the way theydid in Acts 1:26

Cheers,

Jim

 

Was studying the book of Ruth and drew this insight from George E Gardiner's book "The Romance of Ruth" with regard to God's will.

First of all our heart must be right, as was Ruth’s. Any hint of pride or obstinance or rebellion so damages our walk with God that we cannot possibly know the path He would have us follow. Someone has wisely said “Those who have not learned to follow, will never be equipped to lead.”

Secondly we learn that the will of God is often revealed to those who are fulfilling their obligations. Ruth did not hear an audible voice pointing her in the direction of Boaz’ field. There was no golden arrow pointing out the way. Nor was she seated in a lotus position emptying her mind, when the whole picture was pictured before her. No, she went to work, and it was in the place of service that God would unfold His plan for her life. She was engaged in the menial - just serving her mother-in-law, providing food, taking part in the harvest when “her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz.”

And so it always is - Abraham was busy running his affairs in Ur of Chaldees when God led him, Elisha was busy ploughing a field, David leading sheep, Isaiah was busy in his temple duties and the disciples hard working fishermen when they heard the Saviour’s call.

God does not reveal His will to lazy men & women.

 

I believe first of all you need a right consept of your relation to God. Meaning, you must submit to the Soverignty of God,and not the Sovereignty of man. a few years ago I went to Oregon to start a church. I was so caught up in open theism that even if it wasn't Gods will my faith would give me the victory.My strenght was in my faith not in God.Needless to say i was a total failure. I threw out the "word of faith "doctrine and submitted to the Almighty Sovereign God.You must be submitted to HIM and an open vessel for HIS guidance Patiently waiting for HIS guidance and not jumping threw every door that seems to open. Can satan open a door to the overzealous believer? 1Peter1:5

 

That is a great testimony. Thank you for sharing it.

I tend to think that the Devil and/or evil men must have permission or be allowed to do the things they do. God is in complete control of it all.

Dave

 

Actually, we have done that for years, Jim, knowing God is in control of everything. When the kids were younger and at home, and we had a list of Saturday jobs to do, and no one wanted to have to work all Saturday, what we did was list six fun things to do and six work things to do. The first die rolled was odd or even -- odd was work and even was play. Then we rolled a second time to see which of the items in that category we did. Half an hour limit on whatever.

I told the kids God was in charge, not me, and we had wonderful times those Saturdays. It was rarely when all the work didn't get done with very cheerful attitudes and lots of play between times. God is not only gracious, He is fun where the kids are concerned at least!

There are a lot worse things to do than casting lots. The problem in Acts was the Disciples 'gave God two choices.' God had a third. However you will notice when God has 'all the choices', as He did with Jonah, the casting of lots rings true. He is, truly, in charge.

Even of which jobs to do first on a Saturday....

 

Realizing I'm digging up some REALLY old posts in this thread, nonetheless this is a personal favourite subject and since I've been out of this forum for awhile I've missed it, I forge on:

Daniel David said:

A book was just written regarding this issue. I can't remember the title. Anyway, the author's point was that this modern idea of finding God's will is paganistic.

Sounds like you're referring to Finding God's Will: A Pagan Notion? by Bruce Waltke (Eerdmans, 1995).

Christ4kildare asked:

Just some input along the way here. Does the idea of "I have peace about it" have any place in knowing God's will?

The two proof-texts I have often seen cited for this view are Phil. 4:7 and Col. 3:15. The former refers to that peace of mind that results from being in Christ; specifically, the opposite of the anxiety that results from worrying (cf. v. 6). The second refers to pursuing the course of action that promotes peace amongst the brethren.

Neither verse supports the idea that if you make the right decisions, God will give you happy feelings. Conversely, "having a peace about" something is no guarantee that you are making the right choice.

Helen said:

Reading this thread I honestly have to say I am amazed at the people who think that 'as long as it doesn't disagree with the Bible' you can do what you want and decide 'for yourself' what to do.

Helen, you made or implied the following statements. Will you provide Scripture for them?

</font>

• You said we should expect an "internal nudge or a nagging" or "get a 'thought'" from God every time we are faced with a decision. (Conversely, how do we know that such "internal nudges or naggings" are from God?)</font>
• You implied that "waiting upon the Lord" means waiting for the "internal nudge" before going ahead with a decision.</font>

 

Ransom, with all due respect, if you have not experienced it, I cannot explain it. It's not the Mormon "burning in the bosom" or anything emotional at all. It's maybe a thought that pops up that you didn't think of before; or a feeling or restlessness about something you want to do, letting you know to 'hold on.'

In John 10:3-5, among other passages, we read Jesus' words in the following:

The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize his voice.

I am His; I know His voice. I may be in training, but I am learning to be obedient!

And again the passage that was already quoted out of Proverbs:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart'and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and He will direct your paths.

Those are not idle words.

Look at Psalm 119:35-37

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.

Over and over again in the Bible there is emphasis on the fact that one's relationship with God is just that: a relationship. A two-way street. Prayers do not hit silence. They are not only heard, they are answered. And when I ask for direction, I get it. He is faithful. I really am only a sheep and I must look to the Shepherd for daily, hourly direction every day and every moment of my life if I am to be the person He created me to be -- at least as soon as possible! I know the Holy Spirit still has a very long way to go with me, but my learning to listen and obey and follow are pretty important lessons I have been learning for awhile now.

 

Here, this just occurred to me -- and yes, I think it was from the Lord. Please put these verses in your mind:

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

and this:

John 8:28-29
So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you willknow that I am the one I claim to be, and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."

and remember this, also:

Not my will, but Thine be done.

And

If you love me, you will obey me.

How can we obey if we do not know His voice, and listen for it, even to what to say and do, as Jesus did?

 

Helen said:

John 10:3-5, among other passages

In John 10:3-5, Jesus contrasts the false shepherds of Israel, the religious leaders, with the true Shepherd of God's people, himself. The Pharisees and priests were illegitimate "thieves and robbers," who did not really care for the sheep. On the other hand God's people recognize the voice of their true Shepherd, who truly cares for them, and are not led astray by false shepherds.

The passage is not a "guidance" passage. It does not say that the sheep have to learn how to hear the Shepherd's voice.

I really am only a sheep and I must look to the Shepherd for daily, hourly direction every day and every moment of my life if I am to be the person He created me to be

Tell me, does a shepherd specifically lead each sheep to the particular clump of grass that he expects it to eat? Does he tell the sheep when to graze and when to lie down and when to drink?

Of course not - if the sheep wander too far afield he reels them back in, but as long as they are within his view he lets them do their sheepish thing.

And so it is with the Good Shepherd. He sets down guiding principles by which we are to live, which are clearly revealed in his Scriptures. Within those principles, we are free. For example:
</font>

• There are Scriptures providing guidance for marriage: the qualities of a good wife (Prov. 31), and good reasons to marry or not to (1 Cor. 7). We are not told, however, whom specifically to marry, nor are we threatened with dire consequences should we marry the "wrong" person.</font>
• According to Scripture, Jesus spoke on money more than any other topic. However, we are not told that we must spend our money on this house or that car. Scripture speaks on giving and commands generosity, but leaves it up to us to give what we choose (2 Cor. 9:7).</font>
• We are not told that God commands, through inward impressions or "thoughts," that any specific person is to enter the ministry. In fact, 1 Tim. 3:1 militates against this idea, saying it is a good thing to pursue the ministry if one desires it. However, such a one is responsible to make sure he is Scripturally qualified per the criteria Paul then lays out (vv. 2-13).</font>

And again the passage that was already quoted out of Proverbs [3:5-6]:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart'and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and He will direct your paths.

I could take issue with this passage on two grounds: translational and contextual.

First, translational: the word translated "direct" in the KJV (Strongs 3474) has the sense of making something straight. Thus the sense of the NIV and the NASB ("he will make your paths straight") is more accurate. The KJV is correct if "direct" is taken to mean "make direct," but NOT in the sense of God directing traffic.

This is further supported by context. Prov. 3:5-6 is part of a series of couplets extolling the benefits of pursuing godly wisdom:
</font>

• Keep my commandments and your days will be long and peaceful (3:1-2).</font>
• Pursue kindness and truth, and you will have a good reputation (vv. 3-4).</font>
• Trust and acknowledge God, and you will have a successful life (vv. 5-6).</font>
• Fear God and keep away from evil, and you will be healthy and nourished (vv. 7-8).</font>
• Devote your wealth to God, and you will have plenty (vv. 9-10).</font>

The whole point being: If you trust and obey God in every area of your life, then God will reward you with success, as he measures it. However, one thing Prov. 3:5-6 is not is a promise that God will give you inward directions to help you make decisions (even hard ones).

Look at Psalm 119:35-37

Psalm 119 is a hymn of praise to God's Law. In Psalm 119:35-37 specifically, David finds delight in God's "commands" (v. 35), his "statutes" (v. 36), and his "word" (v. 37).

In other words, David is talking about God's written, revealed will - found in the Scriptures - not some inward "leading" or "nagging."

Ransom, with all due respect, if you have not experienced it, I cannot explain it.

I could say that if I have not experienced it, it is because I am not expecting it, because I have no Scriptural reason to believe that I ought to expect it.

 

I have never heard an audible voice telling me what to do or where to go, and I am suspect of anyone who claims it.

Now, having said that, I am mystical enough to believe that there is a sense of knowing when one is moving in God's direction and doing God's will for my life. I have made wrong choices thinking I was in God's will, or was it God's will to humble me at the moment?

I will stand by the words of Dick Hillis, "You take care of your spiritual relationship, and God will take care of your geographical location." Our job is to be willing, and God will give direction. How? I don't know. Perhaps open doors that were previously closed. Perhaps sometimes we have to smash doors down to open opportunities.

God seems to make the way clear, IF we are willing to go where He wants us to go. A motorcar that is fine tuned may drive smoothly so far as the motor is concerned, but it does nothing to smooth the potholes in the roadway.

Cheers,

Jim