It happens virtually every time a friend and I get together over coffee: one of us shares how we’re wrestling with what we should do next. Do I go back to grad school knowing it will impact my family but further my career? Do I take that job and move away from friends and family? Do I accept the offer to lead a division, small group, or YMCA team?
We struggle with choosing between two good options, and we wrestle because both paths have pros and cons. Invariably, one of us will say, “I just wish God would tell me. Or if He doesn’t say it out loud, maybe He could put up a neon flashing sign.” You probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
So what do I do when I don’t know what to do, when there are two good options and no neon flashing sign? I remember and meditate on some truths about God that bring clarity to my path.
I remember that I’m a sheep and that God is the Shepherd.
This one is really hard for the girl who prefers to think of herself as a shepherd. It’s easier for me to believe in my own sufficiency than to trust in God. I get excited, make a plan and then invite Jesus to follow me. But if an actual sheep led an actual shepherd, it would be the most ridiculous sight ever. Sure, it’d probably go viral on YouTube, but a Shepherd being led by a sheep would be a sad reality.
True shepherds know, protect, and provide for their sheep. They know what their sheep need. Shepherds gently nudge, tap or hook the sheep so it’s heading the shepherd’s direction. Shepherds fight for, discipline, and inspect their sheep. (The Way of the Shepherd by Dr. Kevin Leman)
So as I try to decide what to do when I don’t know what to do, I remember that both sheep and people are short-sighted. Sheep can only see 15 yards in front of them, and I can only see the outcome I want, in the timing I want. But my Shepherd can see all things. Jesus sees my part in His big historical and global puzzle. I can trust that my Shepherd knows my insufficiencies and fills in all the gaps for my good.
I remember that the Lord’s job is to lead me, and my job is to remain in Him.
While reading John 15:9, I came across a verb that punched me in the nose. Jesus said, “Now remain in my love.” Remaining in Christ is my choice. Because God is omnipresent, He will never not be with me. If anyone is leaving anyone, it’s me leaving my Shepherd. A few ways that I can remain in him include:
- Obeying His commands.
- Praying.
- Reading His Word.
When I obey, I remain in His love. When I pray, I’m building our relationship through talking and listening. When I read His Word, I understand His heart. These are simple spiritual disciplines, but they take intention, planning, and sacrifice to do.
I remember God’s ultimate purpose for me is far greater than my next decision.
God’s ultimate goal for me is to have a relationship with Him. He’s less interested in all I’m doing for Him, and He’s more interested in knowing me and me knowing Him. My lack of clarity about my next step helps me to know him on a new level. What brings me into His presence more than uncertainty? Not much.
When I don’t know what to do, I turn to Him, and in my turning, I become more preoccupied with the object of my faith than the answer I’m seeking.
And because my God values a heart relationship more than my following orders, He doesn’t give me a checklist to follow. While I crave hearing an audible voice or seeing a neon sign flashing in my face, He knows that’s not what’s best for me.
But what if I “mess up” and pick the “wrong” one because God doesn’t tell me exactly what to do next?
I believe that God is sovereign and is also in the redeeming business. No choice can derail His plan for my life and the lives of those He loves. He fills in the gaps. He makes beautiful things out of ashes. God is always with me, always working on my behalf, and propelling His plan for me and His world toward His pre-established victory.
So what do you do when you don’t know what to do? You remember He’s sovereign and loves you so, that your job is to remain in Him by getting to know Him, and that His purpose for you can never be derailed. I’ll drink a cup of coffee with a friend to that.
Beautiful and oh so true!!
Thank you Kirsten! While these four truths seem so simple, they are hard for this girl to do.
Thank you. I needed to hear this especially this week ?
Isn’t God so good that He gives us what we need at the exact time we need it?
I love your insight Jill on our God:
“He’s less interested in all I’m doing for Him, and He’s more interested in knowing me and me knowing Him. “
It’s hard for me to believe, but just like I love spending time with my girls vs. having them do chores, the same it is with God and His kids!
Love this insight, Jill. Especially this: “He’s less interested in all I’m doing for Him, and He’s more interested in knowing me and me knowing Him.” So very true. It’s so hard sometimes because we get all caught up in which direction to take and then forgot to just spend time knowing Him. It’s in the knowing that we’ll be guided in the right direction.
I know, right? Sometimes I get so busy figuring out what to do that I forget that my God has all the answers and my best interest at heart.