Wisdom – How Do I Discern God's Will in Major Life Decisions?

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” ~ Proverbs 16:9

Some of you have been in this place before or maybe you are there now: Standing at the doorstep of a major decision – one that will bring a dramatic change to your life and your family. It’s possible that you may spend some time praying for the situation, asking God for wisdom and seeking discernment. My grandpa said something to me about God’s will that I always recall, “As I search for God’s will in my life, I have promised him two things: That when He opens a door for me to walk through, I will walk with courage and trust Him fully. And when He closes the door, I won’t stand there and bang on it.”

In my faith journey, I have made it a priority to seek wisdom through prayer from God before making major or difficult decisions. But if I am honest, there have been times where I have wanted to do something, and I stood at that door and knocked and knocked, but it was never opened to me.

During my senior year of college, I received a call from a church in Wichita, KS, which was my hometown (GO SHOCKERS!!). They were looking for a youth pastor and asked if I would consider coming on staff. This was really an ideal situation, because both my wife’s and my parents lived in Wichita. Our plan had been all along to move back there after school.

We began to pray together about this decision, but almost as though it was a given that this was supposed to happen. But as I came to God with this opportunity, I was surprisingly met with a closed door. I stood there and banged on it for weeks before finally realizing that for some reason, this was not supposed to happen.

In the moment, it is hard to grasp God’s plan and sovereignty. But now that years have passed since then, I look at where I am now and see why that door was shut for me. I would have never ended up at Simmons, and found a position (I still can’t believe I get paid to do this!) that allows me to use my gifts and passion and love for people, for listening, and opportunities to come alongside hurting souls in times of need. Now I look back, and I am so thankful that the door was closed.

What are decisions in your life coming up? How will you discern what God’s will or plan is for you? How will you respond if you come to a decision and find that the door is closed? Will you continue banging on the door? What if you come to a decision and you find that it is wide open, but it is something that is kinda scary or there are many unknowns? Will you respond with fear or find courage and trust in God?

In the decisions you are making at work, are you seeking God's wisdom and direction? Can you imagine what would a company look like that sought after the will of God in every major business decision?

“Nothing you have not given away will ever really be yours.” ~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity