How To Know What God Wants You To Do

Summary

In this episode, Ashley shares a five-step process to make confident, faith-driven decisions, especially when discerning God's will. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering control, aligning choices with Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and following peace over panic. Ashley shares personal stories of trusting God's guidance, stepping out in faith despite uncertainty, and the power of listening to God's voice through prayer and Scripture. Ultimately, she encourages her listeners to trust God's plan and act in faith, knowing that God will guide them to make the right decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Surrender your control: To make the right decision with God, begin by letting go of your need to control the outcome and trust Him with the situation.
• 😀 Align with scripture: Ensure that your decisions align with God's word, as His will will never contradict the Bible.
• 😀 Relationships matter: Test your relationships by aligning them with scripture. True love, as defined in the Bible, is patient, kind, and free from envy and pride.
• 😀 Seek wise counsel: Turn to people who are grounded in God’s truth, such as mentors or parents, for advice and guidance on tough decisions.
• 😀 Look for peace: God's voice is accompanied by peace, not panic. If you feel anxious or discouraged, it could be a sign that the decision isn't from God.
• 😀 Step out in faith: Even if you don’t have all the answers, take a step forward in faith. It’s easier to be redirected once you start moving in God’s direction.
• 😀 Trust God’s plan: Like Abraham, you may not know where you are going, but trust that God has a plan and will guide you every step of the way.
• 😀 Small steps matter: Even if you’re not sure of the entire path, take small steps in the direction you feel God is calling you. Starting is key.
• 😀 God guides through stillness: Ask God, 'What do you want me to know?' and 'What do you want me to do?' Then listen for His response in the quiet moments.
• 😀 Don’t fear failure: Trust that if you step out and fail, God will redirect you. It’s better to try and learn than not to try at all.

Q & A

What should you do first when facing a decision you need to make with God?

The first step is to 'lay it down.' You need to surrender your decision to God, letting go of control and your own expectations, so that He can guide you in the right direction.

How does clinging to control affect your ability to hear God’s voice?

Clinging to control limits God’s ability to speak into your situation. When you refuse to let go of your expectations and desires, it becomes harder to hear His voice clearly because you’re too focused on your own plan.

Why is aligning your decision with scripture important?

Aligning your decision with scripture ensures that your choice is in accordance with God’s will. If a decision contradicts His word, it is not from Him. Scripture is a reliable guide for discerning God’s guidance.

How can you practically apply the principle of aligning with scripture?

To align with scripture, reflect on your decision and see if it matches the principles outlined in the Bible. You can also use the method of asking God to confirm His direction through His word, such as reading and finding relevant verses that support your decision.

What role does seeking wise counsel play in decision-making?

Seeking wise counsel is crucial because God often speaks through others who are grounded in His truth. It's important to get advice from people who have wisdom in areas relevant to your decision, especially those who are spiritually mature.

How do you know if someone is the right person to seek advice from?

You should seek advice from people who are spiritually mature, grounded in God’s word, and living according to His will. Don't take advice from someone who doesn't follow God or isn't actively trying to grow in their faith.

What should you look for when discerning whether a decision is from God?

Look for peace in your heart, as God’s voice comes with peace, not panic. If your decision causes anxiety or fear, it may be a sign that you’re not following God’s will. Trust that God’s guidance will bring a sense of calm, even if the decision is challenging.

Why is stepping out in faith important in the decision-making process?

Stepping out in faith is important because God often calls us to take risks that require trust in Him. Even if you’re unsure, moving forward with what you feel He’s calling you to do can help guide you. God is faithful to redirect you if you stray off course.

What is the significance of the story of Abraham in making faith-driven decisions?

Abraham’s story teaches us that following God often requires blind obedience. He didn’t know where he was going, but he trusted God’s plan. This illustrates the importance of faith when God calls us to make decisions, even when the path ahead is unclear.

How can you practically step out in faith if you're unsure about a decision?

Start by making a small step in the direction you believe God is leading. Whether it's sending an email, applying for a job, or reaching out to someone, taking that initial action can help confirm whether you're on the right path.