“For the Lord is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”- Psalm 84:11
Charles Stanley wraps up Chapter 4 of Waiting on God with a series of questions designed to enable us to ascertain whether a particular path or decision is the Father’s will for our life. Dr. Stanley prefaces his questions with an encouragement to trust the Lord’s guidance:
“. . . though He may not show you what your destination is, and though the desires and goals God has put on your heart may appear very far away, indeed, your heavenly Father is leading your step-by-step with love, wisdom, and power to His very best for your life.”
Our God-given aspirations can be the motivation to press on even through the devastation of our ministry downsizing or vocation loss. Here are Dr. Stanley’s questions to help us evaluate the hopes that drive us. A more detail discussion is found on pages 120 to 124 of Waiting on God.
1. Is this choice consistent with the Word of God?
2. Is this a wise decision? Are you making your decisions with God in mind?
3. Can you honestly ask God to enable you to achieve this goal?
4. Do you have genuine peace about this path?
5. Is this decision appropriate for who you are as a follower of Jesus? Would you recommend this choice to another Christian?
6. Does this fit God’s overall plan for your life?
7. Will this decision honor God?
Today’s question: How do these questions help you crystallize your thinking regarding your vocational revisioning? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Actively expressing faith”
