He Still Speaks to KidsSample

Hearing God for Critical Decisions—Tom Lane

We need to approach every situation we encounter with one question: God, what are You saying to me? Our search is for God and His work in the circumstances we encounter. The circumstances may be life-altering, and it may seem as though they need an immediate answer, but God will not be treated like He is a search engine. It is a relational process rather than just an informational process.

There is a process I have learned to follow when asking God to speak to me and lead me in making decisions related to critical situations in my life. First, I ask the question, “What do I want in this situation?”Like a good parent who wants to give his child what they want, God desires to partner with us to give us the desires of our hearts. I don’t believe you can deny what you want and expect to fully understand what God wants. Only when we honestly express what we want can God work to change our desire to align with His will. Or, if it does align with His will, He can act to grant our request and watch the joy and blessing it brings us.

Second, I lay out three scenarios of action.

• Scenario 1: If I get to choose, this is what I would like to happen.
• Scenario 2: This is another possible opportunity, but it is my second choice.
• Scenario 3: This is the choice I want to ignore. It is the one I fear God might make me do even though I don’t want to it.

In the process of identifying these scenarios and beginning the knocking process, I submit my thoughts and the scenarios I have developed to a pastor or godly mentor. I ask them to speak to them and to help guide me in my thinking process.

In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul says, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (ESV). Asking, seeking, and knocking require a diligent process. Sometimes God takes His time because He is checking our hearts. Other times the process tests our trust and commitment. Even when it seems as if nothing is happening, God is working behind the scenes.

God is actively engaged in our lives. He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us and leads us in all things. When we look at the miraculous working of God in the pages of the Bible, we realize it was always around individuals who believed in God’s Word and acted based on that belief. This belief opened the door for God to confirm His work and give them enough tangible proof for them to rest their faith in Him without knowing all the details.

Trust God and look with anticipation for His work. Listen with diligence for His voice. God will speak and direct the events of your life and your children’s lives for His purposes.

Was this Plan helpful? We adapted this Plan from He Still Speaks to Kids by Wayne Drain and Tom Lane. Find it at gatewaypublishing.com/speaks.