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I. Make sure you have your PRIORITIES STRAIGHT.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Mt. 6:33
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” —Mt. 7:7-8
“So Jesus answered them and said, ‘My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing TO DO His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.’” —John 7:16-17
“If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord WILL NOT hear.” —Psalm 66:18
Are you willing to DO ANYTHING GOD WANTS YOU TO DO, NO MATTER WHAT?
II. Make sure you have ASKED THE LORD TO SHOW YOU His will.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” —James 1:5
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual [logical] service of worship… And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, so that you may prove what the WILL OF GOD IS, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:1-2
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17
III. Make sure you consider what directions are already GIVEN IN THE SCRIPTURES.
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith…. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” —Hebrews 13:7, 17
“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” —Proverbs 1:5
IV. Make sure you consider the WISE COUNSEL of those who are MATURE ROLE MODELS and those who are IN AUTHORITY OVER YOU and who know YOU WELL.
V. Make sure you know your ABILITIES as well as your LIMITATIONS.
A. QUESTIONS which might be helpful in considering what your ABILITIES and LIMITATIONS might be. Make sure that you run these same questions by those who know you well.
- What TALENTS or ABILITIES or SPIRITUAL GIFTS do you have?
- What gives you SATISFACTION?
- At what have you PROVEN yourself to BE SUCCESSFUL or IMPACTFUL?
- How could God OTHERWISE use your abilities or monies? Eph. 2:10
VI. Make sure you consider ALL of the pertinent CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding your decision.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28