God, Show Me What to Do
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help… Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.” James 1:5. The Message
Have you ever asked God, “Show me what to do”? Is that your cry today?
I imagine every one of us has asked God this question at some point about some area of our life. You might be asking Him about work. Your health. Your finances. Your family relationships. Or those long-term, perhaps scary, decisions that are looming on the horizon.
Does God hear our pleas for direction? Does He care?
I can point out many assurances and promises from Scripture that say. “Absolutely, God cares—look at what His Word says over and over throughout the Bible. ”But, being human, it often takes personal experiences to provide the deep confidence that allows us to say, “Yes, I know God cares. Look at how He spoke and directed me when I pleaded with Him to show me what to do.”
I ask God to show me what to do quite often. And when I do, I remember the wonderful answers, inner assurances, and what happened later in His timing. Remembering strengthens our faith! (See Psalm 77) So here are a few of my experiences—which I’m praying will remind you of your own!
- After stepping down as Teaching Leader with Bible Study Fellowship (which is another story of God’s leading), I didn’t know what God wanted me to do with my life. This is the promise I read one morning (notice how many statements God makes about what HE WILL DO!). Now, looking back, I marvel at its accuracy!
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will
do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16.
- Learning to stop looking at my inadequacies by speaking Biblical truths to myself freed me, over time, from spiritual and emotional battles. Here are some of these truths:
“Without Me you can do nothing… If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15)
“God is for me! (A wonderful source of calm and God-confidence) Romans 8:31
“It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purposes.” Philippians 2:13.
“I can do everything (that is part of God’s purposes for my life) through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
- When tempted to step back from my life-long joy of encouraging women to thrive spiritually and in other ways, the Holy Spirit swoops in and speaks vividly. 😊 Poppy:
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price, therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1.
“Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you. 2 Timothy 1:6.
To find wisdom and direction, when you’re reading Scripture, ask these questions:
- How does this speak to my mood? What is the Spirit encouraging me to do?
- How does this fill me with praise? With hope? With assurance?
- How does this command me to act? Is there something I need to do, or stop doing?
- What will I do in response, right now?
Remember how God has worked in your life. Then tell Him you trust Him for today and tomorrow because you know He hears your heart cries.
Poppy