Getting a Grip on Guidance

By Keith Davy

The Problem: Decisions

Type Tool

Moral decisions Precepts of God's Word

Moral dilemma Principles of God's Word

Everyday/Common Wisdom

Life direction Process of guidance

The Principle: Follow the Master

Mark 8:34 One hard decision: follow Christ

Psalm 25 Guidance occurs in the context of a relationship

Proverbs 16:9: 20:24 God bears the burden of guidance. My part is to follow. His is to
guide.

Romans 12: 1, 2 Can't lose if I follow his will. His will is good-no evil; Perfect-no
better; Pleasing-if had a choice, I'd choose it.

Process: Watching Signposts as you Follow the Master

Signpost Goal Caution Example

(from Paul's life)
Word of God Think biblically ♦ Misapply Acts 13:46-48
♦ Matthew 28:18-20 ♦ No influence
♦ Financial
♦ Vocation
Impressions in prayer An intimate sense ♦ Think God doesn't Acts 13:1-3
speak
♦ Be misled--mistake our
thoughts for God's
thoughts (or Satan's)
Godly counsel (can have To gain insight ♦ To misuse Galatians 2:9-10
one or all of these) ♦ Don't listen
♦ Know you
♦ Know situation
♦ Know God
Providential To discern design Misread--just because door Romans 1:13
circumstances is open doesn't mean should 2 Corinthians 2:12, 13
walk in it. Closed doors can
open. Plus there are a lot of
open doors out there.
Personal desires Yield desires Can be misdirected Romans 15:23, 24
Desires might be wrong
Spirit-filled reasoning To weigh options ♦ Can misunderstand 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2
(pro/con list) ♦ Setting thoughts on Philippians 2: 25, 26
things of man

The Practice
Step 1: Begin with prayer

Step 2: Observe the signposts

Step 3: Record insights (on one sheet if you can)

Step 4: Act in faith

"Lord, I am confident you are leading me to ________________________. I am trusting you to

be guiding me as I head in this direction, directing me as I head in the way you want me to go."
Worksheet | Watching Signposts as you Follow the Master
Signpost What is God saying in these areas
Word of God

Impressions in prayer

Godly counsel

Providential
circumstances

Personal desires

Spirit-filled reasoning

Worksheet | Spirit-filled reasoning

Pro Con