“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”- James 1:5 (NRSV)
In Chapter 5 (Door #1 or Door #2) of All the Places to Go, John Ortberg tackles the question of choosing the right door. For example, when facing prolonged adversity, we may wonder whether God wants us to grow by persevering in our difficult situation or whether God wants us to leave because He’s concerned about our happiness.
Pastor Ortberg states that what often drives us is our state of great distress. When we’re filled with anxiety, it’s tempting to look for a guarantee of future outcomes that removes the responsibility of decision-making from our shoulders, as opposed to seeking God’s will. As John phrases our temptation: “God has to tell me what to do for I am in great distress.”
Princeton philosopher Walter Kaufmann coined the word decidophobia to describe our fear of making decisions. We don’t want to be wrong and decisions wear us out. Because King Saul really didn’t want God’s will, his prayers went unanswered and he consulted the medium at Endor. While superstition seeks to use the supernatural for our purposes, faith surrenders to God’s purposes.
John emphasizes that prayer is closely associated with seeking and discerning open doors because it’s our primary means of communication with God. The author concludes:
“If I’m facing a choice and I want to find God’s will for my life, I don’t begin by asking which choice is God’s will for my life. I need to begin by asking for wisdom.”
Today’s question: Are you seeking to use the supernatural for your purposes or are you surrendered to God’s purposes? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Seeking Lady Wisdom”
