Making Sense of Direction

Written By Crystal Reed

Make It Make Sense Series | Part 6

Guest Preacher: Cam Garven

How Can I Know What GOD Wants Me to Do?

Alice asked the Cheshire Cat which way she should go.

The cat asked where she wanted to end up.

She said she didn't much care.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the cat.

And that, according to our guest preacher, Cam Garven, is most of us.

We want GOD to show us the way. We pray for direction, for clarity, for a sign. But if we're honest, we haven't always stopped to ask what HE actually wants for us. We're moving. We're busy. We're making decisions. But not always in the direction GOD is leading.

So how can we know what GOD wants us to do? That's the question Part 6 set out to answer, and Proverbs 3:5-6 is where we start.

Two Illusions That Keep Us Stuck

Before we can follow GOD's direction, we have to let go of two things that feel true but aren't.

  • Illusion #1: I am in control of my life.

  • Illusion #2: I know what is best for my life.

Both feel true. Both are lies. And as long as we hold onto either one, we'll keep trying to steer our own lives while asking GOD to bless the direction we already chose.

Proverbs 3:5 says it plainly: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

Not some of your heart. Not most of it. All of it. That's the level of surrender that opens us up to actually receiving GOD's direction.

Understanding GOD's Will

When we ask "what is GOD's will?" we need to know what we're actually asking. Because GOD's will isn't just one thing.

Sovereign Will: This is GOD's plan that determines everything that happens in the universe. It cannot be stopped, altered, or surprised. Romans 8:28-29 assures us that all things work together for good for those who love GOD and are called according to His purpose. This is the will we can trust, even when life doesn't make sense.

Moral Will: This is GOD's revealed commands in Scripture that show us how to believe and live. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This is the will we are responsible to study and follow.

Understanding both changes how we pray, how we decide, and how we trust.

Pray. Just Do It.

When you don't know what GOD wants you to do, the first step isn't a pros and cons list. It's not polling everyone you know. It's prayer.

  • "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." - Proverbs 3:5"

  • If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault." - James 1:5"

  • The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

You don't need all the answers. You just need to ask the One who does.

Context Matters

One of the most dangerous ways we can misuse the Bible in decision-making is by pulling verses out of context and applying them to situations they were never meant to address.

Here's a funny but convicting example: read Matthew 27:5, Luke 10:37, and John 13:27 back to back out of context ("Judas went out and hanged himself," "go and do likewise," "what you do, do quickly") and you have a disaster.

Obviously that's not what those verses mean. But it illustrates the point: context isn't optional. It's everything. Read the whole story. Read it in community. Read with wisdom.

Navigating Gray Areas

Not everything in the Christian life is spelled out clearly in Scripture. Some things are gray. And for those areas, here are five tests from 1 Corinthians:

When the Bible doesn't say it directly, ask better questions.

The GUIDE Framework

For every big decision you face, use the GUIDE:

  • G: Go to GOD in Prayer

  • U: Understand GOD's Principles

  • I: Investigate Your Options

  • D: Discuss It With Others

  • E: Express Your Freedom

You don't have to figure it out alone. You don't have to have perfect clarity before you move. You just have to be faithful to the process, and trust that GOD guides the steps of those who seek Him.

Life Is Full of Choices

Choose wisely. Think biblically. Use the Bible as your guide.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Crystal Reed
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Making Sense of Tempation