Why Won’t God Tell Me the Next Step?
By Rick Warren
“When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools” (Ecclesiastes 5:4 NLT).
When you are seeking God’s will for your life, you need to understand one very important thing.: God is not obligated to reveal Step 2 until you’ve done Step 1. Maybe you keep saying, “I want to know God’s will for my career/marriage,” and God says, “Let’s get to the basics. Are you reading your Bible? Are you in a small group? Are you tithing? Are you talking with me?” He wants you to start doing what you already know to be the revealed will of God for your life before he tells you what else to do.
So, are there any things God has told you to do but you haven’t done them yet? Why is that the case? The truth is, you’re not waiting on God; he’s waiting on you.
Maybe you’ve been attending a church for more than a year and need to take the next step in membership. Maybe you’ve been praying about baptism but still need to put it on the calendar. Maybe you’ve been looking for a group of people to do life with, and you need to start a small group in your home. Maybe God has shown you how he’s shaped you for ministry, and you know you should find a way to serve others.
Please don’t wait another week or another year to do what God has already told you to do.
What are you waiting for?
Ecclesiastes 5:4 says, “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools” (NLT). Don’t delay. Do what you already know to do.
Pray this prayer today: “Lord, I need your guidance in my life. I ask in faith that you direct me. Help me to listen for your response, to not get so busy that I can’t hear you. Father, when I don’t understand it, help me to trust you and understand that you have a path that is for my good. God, what’s my next step? Help me to do what I already know I should do. Help me to not get frustrated. Help me to not be fearful but to trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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Gain confidence in your prayer life
Prayer is a simple concept. It’s just a conversation with God.
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This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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