The Spotlight
Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5: 17
You may have heard the saying, “If you feel far from God, guess who moved?” The quote is attributed to Robin Jones Gunn, author of the “Christy Miller” series, a YA girls series. Well, yeah… This reminds me of a spot light on a stage. If the singer doesn’t bounce and dance about, she or he will remain in the spotlight and present an image of what is inside—a reflection of the one who trained her to sing, and a testimony to the writer of the song. Being in God’s will is staying where He has designed for me to function for His glory. I will reflect—bring into the spotlight—the beauty of Jesus. If I get beyond the light of His will, I’m in the dark and bound to stumble. (Been there, done that!)
People ask me to pray for decisions they need to make. I do. But how should I tell them how to discern His will? Do I say: “Hey, If you feel good about this, so go ahead with it.” Or how about this: “It’s okay; it’s legal.” Or maybe, “Well you can’t ignore it if it’s right in front of you, so go ahead.” Such approaches might be like a stray chair on the dark stage to make them stumble. Yet, God is not going to tell us specifics about everyday choices. Rather, He gives us guides for our thoughts, motives, and actions as they relate to Him and to others. How? Through the scripture and through prayer. God will never lead us to make choices contrary to what His Word tells us.
Thoughts:
Isaiah 26: 3: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Romans 12: 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Motives:
2 Timothy 2: 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Actions:
Micah 6: 8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
I Corinthians 10: 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Challenge: Try to apply the above scriptures to your daily walk, then when a big decision comes up, you will be prepared to make an informative decision.
Prayer: LORD, in the decisions I make today, help me to take Your word to heart so I can reflect You in the spotlight of my walk with you.
“Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22: 20
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