When You Don't Know What to Do
Scripture Reading — James 1:5-7
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all …
James 1:5
Throughout my ministry I’ve often had people come to me and say, “I just don’t know what to do. I want to do God’s will, but I don’t know what he wants for me.”
And, really, how do you know for sure what school to go to, or what job to take? How do you know when to move, or not to move? How do you know what person you should marry, when to start a family, or whether you should adopt? More than once when we had to make an important decision, I found myself wishing that God would send a clear message to guide us.
So how do we know God’s will?
James 1:5 gives the answer, at least in part: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God …” By ourselves we don’t have the wisdom to know what God has in mind for us. And that’s the reason we need to ask God, “who gives generously.” If you don’t know what to do, ask God for wisdom.
God gives us his wisdom through the Bible. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). God gives us wisdom through the people in our lives. Don’t be afraid to ask other people for their insight. God gives us wisdom through open and closed doors and through changing life circumstances. We have to ask, and then we need to observe closely as God provides answers.
Lord, we want to be in your will because we know there is no safety outside of your will. Please show us what you want us to do, and to serve you faithfully. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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