As a pastor and someone who is very visible in a large ministry, there are a few questions that I get more often than others. “Are you Bill Winston’s son?” – Yes, since birth. “How old are you??” – I was born in 1985 so you can do the math. But the last one is the most important question and a question that everyone seems to have at some point:
“What do I do now?? I need some direction.”
In life it is certain that at some point we're all going to need direction. What I have found is that sometimes the direction that we think we should take is not always the direction that God wants us to take.
Ephesians 2:10 the Amplified Bible says, "For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]."
So there's a path that God has planned for us to take. A place of success reserved just for you. The only catch is that God is the only one who has the map, so if we want to get there, we have to for directions.
“What do I do now?? I need some direction.”
In life it is certain that at some point we're all going to need direction. What I have found is that sometimes the direction that we think we should take is not always the direction that God wants us to take.
Ephesians 2:10 the Amplified Bible says, "For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]."
So there's a path that God has planned for us to take. A place of success reserved just for you. The only catch is that God is the only one who has the map, so if we want to get there, we have to for directions.
As a youth pastor teens reach out to me all the time in need of direction. I just help to give them the right perspective and encourage them to ask the only one who knows their future, God. Remember what it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and he will direct your paths." Notice that the first word is "trust" and that last phrase is "direct your paths". Trust always starts the direction process. There is no substitute for trusting God. And you can’t see the answers that God has unless you commit to his guidance.
Often times in the midst of this process the enemy will suggest to you that God does not care about what you want and His plan is not as enjoyable as your “proposed” plan. But that couldn't be more wrong. The enemy wants to use situations in which you need direction to tempt you to lose faith and trust in God. Why? So you stay confused and don’t get the benefit of divine guidance. Don't do it! Don't lose faith. Don't lose hope. Don't lose trust in God. But let’s get back to the question; what in the world am I going do now?
4 STEP PROCESS FOR GETTING DIRECTION FROM GOD
#1 Set aside three days to fast. You can fast specific kinds of music, you can fast social media, you can abstain from specific foods, sweet treats, all foods, etc. I know it might be difficult, but God will tell you what to fast. Fasting helps you really tune into the voice of God because it weakens the voice of your flesh. If you would like to know more about fasting click here.
#2 Set some prearranged prayer time with God. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour for the next 3 days minimum. You can even get some good worship music and play it in the atmosphere. (I'm a big fan of that – especially stuff by Bethel Worship.) I believe in creating an atmosphere in your heart where God can speak and you will listen. Also, start by praising Him, thanking Him, and worshipping Him like He has already taken care of it. Remember that you will have to receive direction from God by faith. Next, talk to Him just like you would talk to your best friend. Now this is the biggest part: ask God for direction with no personal motives or agendas.
This may sound simple, but it can be challenging sometimes to just lay down your pride, lay down your plan, and ask God, "What do you want me to do, Lord? What is your plan?" Say out loud with your mouth, "God, I lay aside my will to do whatever you want me to do." I've done this and gotten some amazing results! Whether it’s seeking life direction, considering relocation, deciding on a university to attend, or you're thinking about getting married. These are major decisions that you need to make sure that you're hearing God clearly.
#3 Listen to the voice of God. He will talk. When you ask him something, He will respond, but you must be silent and listen. Take about 10 minutes and just be quiet in that atmosphere of prayer and worship. You are listening for God. Don't be fearful of what He might say or not say because it's hard to hear God through fear. So stay in faith, knowing that He has a good plan, the best plan that is better than anything that you can think of! He's a good God and He's a good father and He wants you to know the plan that he has for your life. God has your best interest in mind. If you don't listen to God, you can't get what He has for you. God wants you to be successful more than you want you to be successful because your success is good for God.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
#4 Do it. Whatever God says, be obedient to what He has told you to do. It might be something that you might think is difficult. It might be something you've never considered before. Or it might be something that’s even hard to understand. But whatever He says, just do it. He's always going to put you in position to have good success. Receiving God's blessings hinges upon your obedience. When people complain to me about God not living up to their expectations, I ask "Is your obedience living up to His?" Obedience is a necessary step if you want to live the blessed life.
In summary we can drill it down to four simple steps: slow down, listen for God, listen to God, and do it. It’s that simple.
I believe that as you follow these simple steps, no matter what it is, God will show you the right way to go. If you have gone through a situation and used these steps to get direction from God, leave me a comment below and tell us about your experience. Your testimony can encourage someone else!
~ David
Often times in the midst of this process the enemy will suggest to you that God does not care about what you want and His plan is not as enjoyable as your “proposed” plan. But that couldn't be more wrong. The enemy wants to use situations in which you need direction to tempt you to lose faith and trust in God. Why? So you stay confused and don’t get the benefit of divine guidance. Don't do it! Don't lose faith. Don't lose hope. Don't lose trust in God. But let’s get back to the question; what in the world am I going do now?
4 STEP PROCESS FOR GETTING DIRECTION FROM GOD
#1 Set aside three days to fast. You can fast specific kinds of music, you can fast social media, you can abstain from specific foods, sweet treats, all foods, etc. I know it might be difficult, but God will tell you what to fast. Fasting helps you really tune into the voice of God because it weakens the voice of your flesh. If you would like to know more about fasting click here.
#2 Set some prearranged prayer time with God. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour for the next 3 days minimum. You can even get some good worship music and play it in the atmosphere. (I'm a big fan of that – especially stuff by Bethel Worship.) I believe in creating an atmosphere in your heart where God can speak and you will listen. Also, start by praising Him, thanking Him, and worshipping Him like He has already taken care of it. Remember that you will have to receive direction from God by faith. Next, talk to Him just like you would talk to your best friend. Now this is the biggest part: ask God for direction with no personal motives or agendas.
This may sound simple, but it can be challenging sometimes to just lay down your pride, lay down your plan, and ask God, "What do you want me to do, Lord? What is your plan?" Say out loud with your mouth, "God, I lay aside my will to do whatever you want me to do." I've done this and gotten some amazing results! Whether it’s seeking life direction, considering relocation, deciding on a university to attend, or you're thinking about getting married. These are major decisions that you need to make sure that you're hearing God clearly.
#3 Listen to the voice of God. He will talk. When you ask him something, He will respond, but you must be silent and listen. Take about 10 minutes and just be quiet in that atmosphere of prayer and worship. You are listening for God. Don't be fearful of what He might say or not say because it's hard to hear God through fear. So stay in faith, knowing that He has a good plan, the best plan that is better than anything that you can think of! He's a good God and He's a good father and He wants you to know the plan that he has for your life. God has your best interest in mind. If you don't listen to God, you can't get what He has for you. God wants you to be successful more than you want you to be successful because your success is good for God.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
#4 Do it. Whatever God says, be obedient to what He has told you to do. It might be something that you might think is difficult. It might be something you've never considered before. Or it might be something that’s even hard to understand. But whatever He says, just do it. He's always going to put you in position to have good success. Receiving God's blessings hinges upon your obedience. When people complain to me about God not living up to their expectations, I ask "Is your obedience living up to His?" Obedience is a necessary step if you want to live the blessed life.
In summary we can drill it down to four simple steps: slow down, listen for God, listen to God, and do it. It’s that simple.
I believe that as you follow these simple steps, no matter what it is, God will show you the right way to go. If you have gone through a situation and used these steps to get direction from God, leave me a comment below and tell us about your experience. Your testimony can encourage someone else!
~ David
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