Moving Forward

Do you ever find yourself wondering what direction to take, job to take, car to buy, words to say to someone? Sometimes its easy but other times it can be difficult. Here are some things to consider;
1. Does the decision honor God?
2. Does it allign with scripture? Does it offend? Is it done in humility? Does it give God the credit? Is it done honestly? Is there compromise? Is it obedient? Did you pray about it? Did you seek counsel? 

Isaiah 48:17-18
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river,..

We can be sure that we will have peace with a decision that is made with integrity! It may not be the popular choice but at least we know that we can sleep at night!

3. What are the circumstances? Many times God will close a door to get you to move in a different direction. Is everything out of control in your life? Or maybe everything has come to a dead standstill.  Maybe God is trying to get your attention. Seek him, and look for opportunities and open doors.
 
The Scriptures talk about different times when God opened and closed doors for the Gospel.
 ..for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16:8-10
4. Can't figure it out? Sometimes we don't understand the plan, but trusting in God's timing, ways, and goodness will help relieve the anxiety of not knowing.
Proverbs 20:24 Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?

5. God wants the best for us and wants us to be a witness to who he is. He doesn't want to see his children led astray because he loves us deeply and tenderly, and more importantly he wants His name to be glorified so that others will see, know, and understand who he is.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:2-4

Lastly we can trust that God will indeed direct our steps. We don't need to panic, and worry that we are going to miss something or that disaster awaits us if we don't do this thing or that thing- God is always faithful to get us where we need to be.



Proverbs 16:8-10 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
We do make our plans don't we? How often do they turn out the way we think they will? Think back say five years, look at your life now, is it what you planned?

The other day I went out to dinner with my family and it was all you can eat buffet. Anyway I looked at the bill and the cashier undercharged me ten dollars. I sat there as the family went up to get their salad plates and debated if I should hassle going back up and get charged the ten dollars. Finally I got up and did it because I knew it was the right thing to do and then I could enjoy my meal! I went up and the manager said that I saved the cashiers job because she would have been short the end of the night. It was a small decision that I could have easily ignored but even small decisions can make a big difference in the lives of others.

We can be confident in the plan that God has for us. Start small-take it one day at a time, be sensitive to the spirit, be aware of the moment (the thoughts you are thinking and the small decisions that you are making moment by moment) and listen for that still small voice. Blessings.