Wisdom and Discernment

Current and future challenges need both

Psalm 119:105 ESV

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

I am off today on a much-needed vacation. There are few things I enjoy more than very long airplane rides; I know, I’m an odd duck on this topic. In fact, I’m probably the only one on the flight that is disappointed when the Captain announces that we will be landing early. Air travel gives me a sense of total freedom. It allows me to clear my thoughts and focus on projects with deadlines. I haven’t traveled much in the last few years, and this trip is mostly for my mental health.

You may have heard me talk in the past about why I like to fly so much. I always select a window seat and spend much of the flight watching the topography change far below and taking in the World the Lord has made.

Sometimes, I see a car driving on a road. I imagine the driver, the kids, and the dog inside. From 30,000 ft, the car is a microdot, and its inhabitants are nanodots. And yet, God is with them. He loves them. He cares about what they are thinking, doing, feeling, and believing. From 30,000 ft, all my problems seem much smaller—and I feel much closer to God.

Over the next month or so, I’m about to embark on several new ventures that are exciting but come with tremendous responsibility. A lot will need to be sorted out. As I looked out the window today, it occurred to me that perhaps these Big Opportunities – which will require that I rearrange much of my current schedule – are distractions from the course the Lord has set me on.

Which is it: a DISTRACTION or a NEW, BIGGER DIRECTION to better serve Him? The Lord put it on my heart in my quiet moments: Ask Me.

When we face big decisions that come with big changes, the most important thing to do is to LEAN IN and ask: “What is it Lord, that You really want me to do? Where do YOU want me to be on the 10-D chess board of life?”

Which brought me to James 1:5-8 (HCSB)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it shall be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive(b) man is unstable in all his ways

As we navigate these challenging times, where the sand shifts continually beneath our feet from day to day, sometimes even moment to moment, no human friend or family member – no matter how well-meaning or how close they are to you - can appropriately ‘advise you’ about the big decisions in your life. Seek counsel from others, but the decision really needs to come from the guidance Lord Jesus gives.

As you move forward, remember James 1:8 – “An indecisive man is unstable in his ways.”

Fervently seek the Lord’s counsel and guidance about every opportunity and every decision, even the small ones. Once you know His answer in your Spirit and feel at peace with direction He has for your life, don’t be indecisive. Don’t be “double minded.” That’s where faith and trust come in.

Make a plan and work the plan. Continue to Lean In every day, with even the smallest considerations of your Plan. With Jesus on your team as your right hand, you will weather every challenging circumstance

Be assured that He is always be with you, as in Isaiah 43:2 -

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”

Please pray for my health continues to improve, and that God grants stamina, wisdom and discernment in the months ahead.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I am sure that many here are facing big decisions – decisions about their career, decisions within their family, decisions within and about their personal lives. Lord, I pray for each person that they will take all the time needed to contemplate and pray about their decision. And most importantly, may each person seek Your wisdom, follow Your direction, and with all knowing, hear Your assurances for what You want for our lives. We are grateful for all You give us. We stand on Your promises and trust You will see us through. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.