“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.’” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

Why involve God in the decisions we make?

• God promises to guide us.
• (Psalm 32:8)
• (John 10:3–4, 27)

• God has a good plan for our lives.
• (Jeremiah 29:11)
• (Romans 12:2)
• (John 10:10, 15)

How does God guide us?

General will

• General instruction for marriage, work, money, children, elderly relatives
• (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105, 130–133)

Primary calling

• To love God
• To love others
• To become like Jesus

God speaks as you pray

• (Acts 13:1–3)

Strong desire to do something

• “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

Sometimes He guides in more unusual ways

• Prophecy, for example, Agabus (Acts 11:27–28; 21:10–11)
• Dreams (Matthew 1:20)
• Visions/pictures (Acts 16:10)
• Angels (Genesis 18; Matthew 2:19; Acts 12:7)
• Audible voice (1 Samuel 3:4–14)

“... the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)

“Plans are established by seeking advice.” (Proverbs 20:18)

Need for testing (1 John 4:1)

• Is it in line with the Bible?
• Is it loving? (1 John 4:16)
• Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? (1 Corinthians 14:3)
• Does it bring the peace of God? (Colossians 3:15)

Ultimately, we are responsible for our decisions, but it is a blessing to have others to talk to about the decisions we are making.

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” (2 Timothy 2:7)

“God’s promises of guidance

were not given

to save us the problem

of thinking.”

— John Stott

• “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”(Romans 8:28)
• “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 37:5)
• Sometimes God closes doors. (Acts 16:7)
• Sometimes God opens doors. (1 Corinthians 16:9)
• Sometimes we need to persevere despite the circumstances and trust God.
• Be patient.
• We all make mistakes—God forgives. (Joel 2:25)

1. What did you think or feel about the talk?
2. Over the last few weeks, has anyone had a sense that God might be guiding them?
3. How do you feel about the idea of God having a plan for your life?
4. What are the ways that God may speak to people today? Have you ever experienced this?
5. What should we do if we believe we have made a mess of our lives?

Chasing the Dragon by Jackie Pullinger