I often wonder how many people, including myself, make poor choices simply because we are in a hurry, or impatient. We can rarely go wrong by waiting for direction, but we can often go wrong by rushing. God’s will is revealed in His time, not ours, and His leading is often calm and reassuring: “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (I Corinthians 14:33).
Although there may be times of anxiety when a decision must be made, God seldom rushes us. Although you may feel uncertain, you should have peace before making a major decision. Peace is often a good indicator that you are moving in the right direction, but peace alone can be deceptive. For example, when an idea comes to me I try not to act on it immediately (note the word “try”). Depending on the circumstance, I give it a few days, maybe a few weeks, or even a few months before I pursue it. I’ve learned to wait for confirmation, search the Scriptures, pray, seek godly counsel, use wisdom, and see which doors open. If the desire doesn’t continue, it may have simply been an emotional impulse.
For example, when I recently decided to begin studying for my real-estate license and become an agent in the Antelope Valley, I wasn’t fully convinced that God was leading me to do this, but I also wasn’t convinced that He wasn’t. I needed a career that was flexible with my speaking and writing schedule, and I wanted to help people in the area of finances, so I began moving in that direction. I had faith that God would lead me one way or the other, and He will do the same for you—“without faith it’s impossible to please God.” You may not know exactly what you are going to do with your life, but God does. Trust Him.
There are often no cut and dry answers to some of our questions—that’s why it’s called “faith.” When you feel rushed, slow down and wait on God. Again, you can rarely go wrong waiting, but you can often go wrong rushing. If there’s no time to wait, pray, use wisdom, seek counsel, and make the decision to the best of your ability.
In these trying times, remember that God’s will is always best for those who know Him: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). This doesn’t mean that there aren’t consequences for our actions, because there are, but it does mean that God will work all things together if we repent, and seek Him.
Although it may not feel like it from time to time, God’s timing is always what’s best. He allows trials to develop and shape our character. As I said before: How do we develop patience if we’re not tested? How do we learn to trust God if we’re never in need?
God has placed healthy desires within you, and those desires will be revealed as you pursue Him. If you’re feeling depressed and discouraged, it may because you have not truly yielded to Him. Missionaries, for example, will often say that they had a deep desire to serve God as missionaries once they finally surrendered their lives to Him. Many Christian businessmen and professionals feel the same way. God does not give talents and interests to be wasted. He knows what’s best, but we must ask for direction and surrender our life to Him.
Finally, God’s timing and perseverance go hand-in-hand: “Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance” (II Peter 1:5-6). From time to time you may feel like giving up and returning to your familiar comfort zone. Don’t! Press through. You are exercising a very important spiritual muscle called perseverance. There is a saying that ships are safest in the harbor, but they are not made for the harbor. Remember, you were designed to weather storms successfully. When life becomes difficult and challenging, set your sight on the goal, not on the challenge. You were not created to fail; you were created to succeed. Just make sure that you remember the true meaning of success.