Deciding your summer
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF AS I PROCESS THIS DECISION:
1. What does God’s Word say about my decision?
2. What do I sense the Spirit impress on me while in intimate prayer regarding the decision?
3. What insights do I gain from the counsel of others?
a) There are three kinds of counselors that I seek:
i. Those who know me and can help me understand myself.
ii. Those who know the situation and can give me valuable insight into what will be involved in the decision.
iii. Those who know God and will listen to me share the issues and provide me with a godly perspective. (Proverbs 15:22)
4. How has God been at work in the circumstances?
5. What is my deepest desire regarding this?
6. What is the view of wisdom on this decision?
a) This would be an appropriate time to look at my pros & cons list and ask which of these factors is most important.
7. Will my summer include the four ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH?
- Input
- Challenge
- Mentoring
- Community
SOME TRUTHS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN DETERMINING HOW TO INVEST MY SUMMER:
Matthew 28:18-20 Great Commission
Acts 1:8 power to witness
Luke 10:2 harvest is plentiful
John 4:34-38 the fields are white for harvest
John 15:16 chosen to bear fruit
John 17:20-26 that all might know oneness with Christ
Romans 10:13-15 a call to go
2 Cor. 5:17-21 ministry of reconciliation & ambassadors
A note for you…
I would be less than honest to say that there haven’t been those who have struggled deeply with their direction after seeking God’s guidance. But they have been relatively few and for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, countless individuals have expressed deep regret over decisions they have made while operating independent of God’s leading.
It only makes sense when you think about it—if there is a God who is all-knowing (thus knows what is best for us), all-loving (wants what is best for us) and all-powerful (able to lead us into what is best for us), then shouldn’t we trust him with all our hearts and seek his ways? That is my prayer for you as you step into this next season of your life.
