To Know What You Really Should Do…
Seeking the opportunity in a lack of direction.
There can be a real struggle when there is a lack of direction. Whether it be poor leadership, or lack of spiritual mentors in our lives, not having clear and obvious direction can result in poor decisions. We can be torn between wanting immediate answers and seeking self-driven results through situations we find ourselves in. In the state of lack of direction, we need to seek the opportunity to move towards a bountiful purpose.
There are six factors that can bring confidence to a respectable sense of direction.
G.O.S.P.E.L.
1. God – Seek God’s direction and will.
We each have God given gifts. Using those gifts for his glory brings us experience to find wisdom from what we have witnessed. When we stay in his word, we will gain understanding that will lead us to the path of good discernment. The transforming of our mind leads us to God’s direction and will above our own. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
2. Others – Seek Godly Fellowship
Having a sense of support by other Christian believers will provide a platform to run through your thoughts of direction to affirm you are making a wise decision. Other faithful followers of Christ can see things we sometimes can miss. They will be our prayer warriors in the process. Bond with other believers and share what we have with them. “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” Acts 4:32
3. Self – Seek Personal Inventory
An important piece of discernment taking the lead is how it will affect others. Taking personal inventory of your reasoning for the desired outcome is honorable. Looking at the fruits of the spirit is a way to take personal inventory. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
4. Patience – Seek Godly Timing
Definition of Patience: The capacity, habit, or fact of being able to accept, to tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Apostle Paul mentions patience many times, he stresses the importance of seeking Gods timing through patience. There are several different translations of patience in scripture. (Examples: long-suffering, forbearance, a quiet mind, tolerance, patience towards others, giving yourself a sense of space to discover what is going on and why.) When our lack of direction stems from how others lead us, pray as you wait, address them with gentleness in love. If you are leading and find frustration with those you provide counsel and direction to, do the same, be in hope before the Lord as you pray. Why does it bother you that you don’t have clear direction right now? Someone once told me, “When the answer is not obvious, then move on and return to it later and it will likely emerge.” “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:25 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” Ephesians 4:2
5. Encouragement – Seek God’s Provision and Protection
God gives us provision and protection as we take the leap to do what it is we are supposed to do. God is delighted with us when we seek his strength and directs us towards his ways. He delights in us when we take the steps towards seeking faith abiding purpose. Be encouraged knowing your creator is on the sidelines cheering you on as you find the courage to find confidence in the course you choose to take. Trust in the Lord and submit to Him. He will guide you in the right direction providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Be excited, there is an opportunity waiting for you! “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23
6. Leadership – Seek Godly Leaders
Having a spiritual mentor who is in close relationship with God and his word to help lead you cautiously and righteously is vital. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you (who are willing to learn) with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 King David teaches us about the grace of God that restores the joy of salvation. David declares himself to be the leader who will direct and advise the people with caution. Find yourself a David!
I have created a “Direction” wheel as a reminder to use as a helpful tool. When searching for direction, keep God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus at the center. Stay in the G.O.S.P.E.L. and find your opportunity, in the lack of direction. Are you seeking God in these areas?
PRAYER
All Knowing God,
I come before you with an open heart seeking your wisdom. I struggle with making tough decisions. I come before you to find relief from this burden. I will wait for your direction because I put my trust in you. I sometimes struggle with patience and expect things to go as I planned. Help me see the setbacks that can happen because of my desire to see things in my timing in my way. Help me to hold on to hope by your promises that help comfort me. I find encouragement through your faithful words written by those you have spoken through. For I acknowledge all glory and power is yours as I wait for direction. Amen!
