How Do I Follow God’s Will in the Face of Two Good Options?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1381
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@MrSilus2000]

God will be with you regardless of which option you take. It’s not about the option. It’s not about the choice. We all grow up in different circumstances, yet God has a way to lead us towards his will, but you can’t think life is about the choices you make, it’s about letting go of your desire to control what happens next. Otherwise you will always be at odds with the past and future.

[@millstreetteut7835]

Thats good to know what about proverb 14:12? That really scares me because i just made the wrong decision

[@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu]

@@millstreetteut7835 I think it speaks to those who don't know God, who don't follow Him. Everything those people do seems right because they put their confidence in themselves. Those who put their trust in God and follow his word and put their confidence in God should know that He wont lead us astray.

[@asimibwesarah9484]

I believe that sometimes GOD gives us specific paths to take.

[@kathleenwharton2139]

There is a Best and a Right Option! Seek God and be Patient..He will Reveal the Best option for You!

[@cmullenmusic]

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. #Jesussaves 💜✞ 🕊

[@alfredjohnson2647]

A worthwhile resource on these sorts of matters - Bruce Waltke, Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion? His plan was simply this: Read your bible, develop a heart for God, guard your heart, seek wise counsel, recognise God's providence, and do what seems best. Or as St Augustine once put it - love God and do what you will. Gary Friesen's book 'Decision Making and the Will of God' is also helpful, as is the Voddie Baucham sermon 'Modern Spirituality and Your Mind'.

[@faithdefender5186]

Pastor, you sounded so much like David in the psalms during your thought journal. So many of the psalms have this AH HA moment. That moment where "No No No! The bad does not outweigh Your Glory! For You, Oh God, I will go! Thy Will be done!" I'm having a moment like this myself. Something I've been wrestling with. I'm considering making a weekly or bimonthly Bible study group. A group of friends talking about Jesus while drinking coffee. Something casual. I've got this feeling that this may grow into more. That deep down feeling I know is the Holy Spirit. I know it is from Him. I can't seem to run from. It scares me. I know I will be held more accountable before God because of this. It is a big decision though it seems small. Brothers and sisters, keep me in your prayers please.

[@Oczarka]

how did it go!!!!!

[@Spirit1443]

Thank you for sharing the internal thoughts of making a tough decision while you're trying to follow God's will for your life. I think that it was very sound advice to bring it back to scripture and allow God's word to help guide us in our decisions. I pray that the Holy Spirit helps all who are battling with decision-making and blesses them with the gift of discernment, to know when it is God's voice guiding their footstep, so they can find confidence knowing when the Holy Spirit is directing their path. In Jesus name I pray amen.

[@tianagadsden4843]

The Holy Spirit gave me bible college I don't have money to go. I applied though. And I've prayed.

[@chantalszemenyei1682]

How did it go? 🤗

[@GrayWithMe]

What a great example! Beautiful

[@teachertisha420]

Wow...thank you for sharing, this was really helpful!

[@thyatiran]

So very grateful for this podcast

[@edenbenson3782]

That was beautiful

[@andyrobinson5829]

in light of this particular podcast I have some thoughts about my life. I am now 70 years old. While preparing for the ministry, at age 25, I went through a divorce. 8 - 9 years later while an assistant pastor, I saw a young lady that had just returned to area after college, It was literally Love at first sight. Before I even talked to this young lady, I wen to a "mentor pastor" of mine and told him of my feelings. He encouraged me saying:" it would be OK to marry because the governing body of the Assemblies of God would eventually change their stance against re-married men holding a certificate of ministry". Needless to say they never did. I didn't date this young lady until a year later. We did fall in Love, I did Marry her and it's been wonderful. I went into sales and have always wondered if I've missed God's will.

[@paintotheworld8445]

You’re doing a great job with this ministry pastor John

[@kv8443]

Why Pain instead of Love or Salvation to world, friend?

[@risk2193]

Christ is life brother

[@jeskahaley9616]

Yes need this so bad

[@HH-lr2zt]

This has been my heart's question for a while since I'm in the college decision process. I don't know if it's God's will to go to a secular school and function as a light there, or go to a Christian school and learn more about him. I want to serve, I just don't know where, with whom, or how I should. Bless you, Pastor John!

[@shellssoul]

u got this hannah!! Pray to him to give u a sign and follow where he leads your heart. Goodluck with whatever school u end up at the end. U got this sis. C

[@troyamato5679]

Ask yourself? Is there any sin motivating either decision? Why do you really want either one or the other? Spend some time praying and seek out wise Council-- figure out why!! Where your treasure is.....

[@alfredjohnson2647]

Follow Troy Amato's advice. Also, have a look for a book called 'Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion?'

[@joshcarver7930]

Hi Hannah. I’m a college freshman right now and I was in the same spot you’re in now. Pray over it. Give God all of your anxieties and worries and he’ll take care of you. Read His word daily and remember the love He has for you, and that He is sovereign you will end up at the place God wants you to be. Remember that you can grow closer to Him no matter what college you choose to attend. When you get on campus, look for Bible believing Christians who will help you through these important years. It could be in the form of bible study groups, local churches, campus ministries, or even an online source if none of the others can be found. In my decision, a few factors fell in line for one school that separated it from the rest, and I believe that was God telling me that I was meant to be there. Hope this helps, I’m praying for you!

[@risk2193]

@@troyamato5679 I am scared of speaking publicly, please pray for me. I don't know whether to preach or to be a elementary to high school teacher and witness in the classroom, but I feel more comfortable with teaching and bringing on an individual rather than speaking to a larger group. Please pray for me to overcome this hurdle. I don't want to be fleshy and take the easy way out but if it be God's will let it be done.

[@godfreybassey9622]

One of the most powerful letters I’ve ever heard, directly from the heart of a crying soul. God bless all children in Christ.

[@joycethapuiinfimate1912]

I'm in the same situation right now to decide which one to choose over the two good ministry options. Listening to this just help me know which one i want. Thank you so so much Pastor John.

[@kylereese2888]

This is a very good answer I love it!

[@garouuchiha4041]

not really a good answer though....

[@buxikiksa5773]

Don't be judgemental. God put the words in his words to say everything he just said. So there must be a purpose. Just not for you maybe

[@kylereese2888]

K.O. Brings exactly my guy

[@kylereese2888]

K.O. Brings listen to it carefully next time

[@jdavis8668]

Great lesson for all. The correct verse is Proverbs 16:9.

[@scamsgalore]

Proverbs 19:21

[@vico100]

Great!

[@ihavetubes]

great video

[@ShueperDan]

Dang Pastor John!!! Who did you have to kill to get a voice like that!?!

[@ashleycnossen3157]

You just have to preach passionately from the pulpit for decades. And yes...I think he should take this opportunity to narrate a few film trailers 😂

[@marieovassar4852]

Should I give up my collection of blu Ray movies and figures and stop watching tv even though I only watch it most when I have company

[@grantbartley483]

no.

[@grantbartley483]

Unless you think it's become an idol to you. Then yes.

[@marieovassar4852]

Thanks

[@ricklamb772]

Here's a better question,how do you follow Gods will when it seems your decisions all appear to be bad ones.or at least come with a high cost.Or none of the options seem to be advancing His kingdom? They are just worldly answers,like a job,or car,or a mate.Where none of them seem to be taking you spiritually where you are desiring to go.Or a healing that won't come? There's some good topics.

[@ShirleyWiggerman]

We seem to be having the same thought, the same question. I have been asking this myself. I have made so many bad decisions that have cost me dearly that I am afraid now to make my own decision and because of this I feel stuck in what to do in my current situation. It's obvious to me that in my current situation I need to move on but I don't know where to go or how to get there. What I want is some peace and stability in my life. I am understanding that we are now living in the last days and that the time of Christian persecution is something we may endure. But, if it is still possible in my life, I hope to have a place of my own where I can freely worship and pray in my own home and also be free to deciple without the worry of the verbal abuse I am now having to deal with. False accusations. I expect this type of treatment of course but on the outside, not inside my own dwelling space. Because of the decisions I have made in the past and the current one I am living with, I'm so afraid to make another decision that will cause a great deal of emotional pain.

[@utkalikasharma5122]

@@ShirleyWiggerman How are you?

[@Blue1Sapphire]

Can I direct u to my experiences, my most recent comment was made just below yours.

[@jake115577]

What happened to pastor john's voice?

[@stumpbumpers]

So, what was the answer?

[@rebekahambrose5839]

I didn't find that helpful as I still don't know what I should do. I really need Jesus to tell me what He wants.

[@Blue1Sapphire]

Can I direct u to my experiences, if u go to me most recent comment just below yours.

[@garouuchiha4041]

to be honest....I didn't learn anything more from this video at all, but it doesn't matter cuz I know the answer to the question the person asked

[@3vanbailey214]

Did we choose God so he chose us, or did God choose us so we chose him?

[@joaobaptistabrandao]

God chose us first

[@troyamato5679]

2tim1:1. A simple and rudimentary example of Biblical proof of predestination(the first that comes to mind from my study today) 1peter also talks about it and plenty of other examples in the Scriptures :)

[@alfredjohnson2647]

The latter, but how it makes sense depends on whether you're a Calvinist (so you believe in particular individual election, and that God made you believe) or Arminian (so you believe in corporate election, and that individual belief is a human response to God's free grace and offer of salvation).

[@kv8443]

Without getting into an argument for or against predestination, here are two Bible verses that make the order/sequence you're asking about quite clear: We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). Keep in mind that sinners are rebels against God and choosers of themselves.

[@kv8443]

Like an orphan child who is adopted by a family, that is us and God. We couldn't do anything to merit God choosing us. He saw us dirty, and helpless, and in need, and He loved us enough to do what it took to bring us Home via the Cross and Resurrection. It then becomes a question of if we want to come Home with Him.

[@amaree9732]

Flip a coin, or cut cards... or just screw it and go fishin'.

[@AtamMardes]

Man made God and God's will. Religion has got the fools by the balls.

[@gregthomas82]

atam mardes The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.”† Psalms 14:1 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Isaiah 55:6 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Proverbs 21:2 Use your heart my friend, if you harden it towards your creator you will have to answer for that on judgment day. We care about you and your eternal soul and desire for you to repent of your sins and trust in Jesus! May our Heavenly Father have mercy on your soul and your understanding.

[@AtamMardes]

@@gregthomas82 The fool believes a primitive slavery promoting book just because the book claims itself to be the holy truth. You obviously are too dumb to realize that the Bible is the claim, not the evidence for the God speculation.

[@AtamMardes]

@@gregthomas82 Evolution made man and man made God, Adam&Eve, sin sacrifice, salvation, virgin birth, resurrection, & walking on water. Religion is a scam that threatens you with an imaginary hell for not believing in an imaginary God, and rewards your gullibility with an imaginary heaven.

[@AtamMardes]

@@gregthomas82 Use your brain my friend; You thank God for giving you life and also for giving animals life for you to take their lives away & eat them. You thank God for choosing you out of many patients to recover from illness. Are you unable to realize how religion uses an imaginary God to fool you into feeling special by exploiting your hypocrisy, narcissism, arrogance, & ignorance?

[@AtamMardes]

@@gregthomas82 Evidence shows we are all here because of evolution and we are all born sin-free, but you ignore the evidence for evolution because you are brainwashed by religion to be intellectually dishonest.

[@dannysantis2622]

God is not god of confusion. You're just using your own intellectuality. You're not really totally submitted to God's way!

[@astheskylarksings]

I am thankful for every question Piper answers, but our country (and soon the world) is faced with more pressing issues-the white evangelical movement. What we saw happen with Trump in 2016, was already established and is still being fortified. The Netflix doc-The Family is just one example. This movement is the epitome of ravaging wolves among the flock that Paul speaks about in Acts 20. Piper is one of the few key figures who will have the boldness to address this urgent matter in today’s faith. Please don’t continue to overlook this, Pastor Piper.

[@dannysantis2622]

God is not god of confusion. You're just using your own intellectuality. You're not really totally submitted to god's way!