I am a terrible decision maker. I suppose this is one of the down sides of having a vivid imagination because I find myself imagining every possible outcome of a decision – often to the point where I’m so confused by all the possibilities that I’m paralyzed to actually MAKE a decision.
So, when a job opportunity came up, I started praying about it because I am learning that if I ask God for wisdom about something, He’ll give it to me. In fact, that’s not just sometimes, but that’s all the time because He promises to do so.
Several years ago, I read this book about Darlene Deibler Rose called Evidence Not Seen. She was a missionary in Paupau New Guinea during World War 2. She and her husband ended up in separate Japanese concentration camps. Before that though, all the missionaries that were working in the area could see the war drawing closer, so they considered going home. The leader of the group asked that they pray about the decision.
What struck me was the utter confidence each of these missionaries had that God would answer them and make it clear what they should do.
It struck me because I often prayed for wisdom about things, but I didn’t really expect God to answer me. I almost saw it as some kind of lottery – if I was lucky, then He would answer me. In fact, there wasn’t a lot of expectation on my part at all.
In James 1:5-7 it says, “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. But he must ask in faith, without doubting for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.”
God promises to give us wisdom if we ask for it. In fact, He gives it to us generously and doesn’t reproach us for needing to ask! But there’s a catch – you have to believe He’ll give it to you.
As I prayed about this decision, I felt like that person tossed by the wind, but I hung on to the promise like a life preserver. I prayed that promise to God and reminded Him that HE was the one that said He’d give me wisdom.
Then, after an illuminating discussion, the answer came to me very clearly. It was like the last puzzle piece clicked into place and it seemed so obvious. I had complete peace about my decision. A few days later, I asked God to confirm what I believe He had told me, and He very graciously did that.
I can’t tell you how thankful I was for God giving me wisdom to make that decision, that He gave me peace. I didn’t have to wonder or regret that I had chosen one path over another. Instead, I could rest in the generosity of His promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them.
This month, as we approach Easter and continue in this season of Lent, I want to look more closely at God’s promises because I believe if we know His promises and claim them, our everyday lives will become extraordinary because we will see God’s presence in them. I hope you’ll join me!
Blessings, Rosanne