“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14, NIV).

This fall there is coming my way a confluence of God-given ministries and missions that, by worldly wisdom, demand my remaining in the U.S. during our annual mission to Albania. It seemed straight-forward. I knew I was needed to help with the Albanian mission, but it made sense, considering God’s total work through me, that I remain. I could have made the decision easily and quickly, but I chose to wait and approach seven people (Christian friends, family members and pastors) to ask for advice and to pray for my decision. I was amazed at their universal response. Not one offered arguments, not one discussed pros and cons. Each just prayed for me and with me, and then said, “Do as God leads.” On the evening I needed to make the decision, God spoke to me clearly. He told me to join the Albanian mission and trust Him with His work that I leave behind.

How do we make decisions in Christ that represent His best plan for us?

Should we do so differently from the way the secular world does?

It is clearly helpful to gather all the facts and weigh the consequences of our choices, as does the world.

However, we have more dependable ways to determine God’s best plan, as I discovered again with this recent decision.

1. 99 percent of finding God’s will is wanting God’s will. God wants our hearts more than our personal wisdom. If we truly want God’s will more than our own, it is God’s responsibility to show us the way.
2. Obey whatever God makes clear to us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Only he who sees obeys, and only he who obeys sees.” God often requires our obedience with the first step before He will show us the next.
3. Spend time with Jesus. Whatever the pace of our lives, set aside time to be alone with our Lord; then, take Him with us as we run.
4. If I had decided about this mission as soon as I felt a clarity of mind, I would have missed God’s plan. We should force ourselves to wait on the Lord, according to His timing, with any decision that impacts His kingdom or those we love.
5. Seek trusted counsel. We should seek secular advice to sort out the facts, but we must even more counsel with those who share our love for Christ. We need their God-given wisdom, and we need their prayer.
6. Trust God with all outcomes, even the possibility that we make the wrong choice. Our Lord is a God of grace and power who can set all things right if He has our hearts.

Dear Father,

Help me to grow closer to your people and closer to you, so that together we will find your will for our lives and step into it.

Amen