How can we discern God's will when making significant life decisions today? Context: A Choice with Lasting Consequences “So Lot chose the entire plain of the Jordan for himself, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus Abram and Lot separated from each other.” – Genesis 13:11 Lot’s decision looks logical—fertile land, ample water, quick prosperity. Yet the same valley borders Sodom, a city “wicked and sinning greatly against the LORD” (v. 13). His apparently brilliant choice becomes spiritually costly. From this scene we draw timeless guidance for our own big decisions. Lessons from Lot’s Fork in the Road • Vision limited to material gain can blind us to spiritual danger. • Immediate payoff often competes with long-term faithfulness. • Separation from godly influences (Abram) frequently follows self-focused choices. Guiding Principles for Discerning God’s Will 1. Look Beyond the Obvious • Lot “lifted up his eyes” (v. 10); he saw lush fields but missed moral climate. • 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” • Ask: What unseen spiritual realities surround this option? 2. Submit Every Preference to God’s Authority • Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world…that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Our minds need renewing through Scripture before we decide. 3. Weigh Long-Term Impact, Not Just Immediate Benefit • Proverbs 14:12 warns of paths that “seem right…but end in death.” • Consider the trajectory: Where will this lead me spiritually in five or ten years? 4. Seek Counsel from the Godly • Abram stayed in Canaan, remaining near the altars he built (v. 18). Altars equal worship and guidance. • Proverbs 11:14: “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” • Invite voices who prioritize faith over convenience. 5. Pray Expectantly, Listen Patiently • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God…,” coupled with the promise that God “gives generously.” • Prayer is not a last resort; it is the decision-making environment. Practical Checklist Before a Major Decision 1. Scripture: Have I searched God’s Word for direct commands or principles? 2. Motive: Am I driven by faith or by fear, greed, comfort, or pride? 3. Impact: How will this choice affect my walk with Christ and those I influence? 4. Counsel: Have I invited input from mature believers? 5. Peace: Do I sense Holy-Spirit-given peace after thorough prayer and waiting? Encouraging Examples • Gideon sought confirmation (Judges 6:36-40) and God patiently provided it. • Paul and Silas were redirected by the Spirit (Acts 16:6-10), showing that closed doors are part of divine guidance. Takeaway Choosing God’s will isn’t a mystical lottery; it grows out of daily habits of worship, Word, and wise counsel. Keep Scripture central, motives pure, counsel close, and prayer continual—then step forward in confidence, trusting the same faithful God who guided Abram away from compromise and into blessing. |
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