One Week Fast: Day 5

The theme for today's fast is decision making. One of the most asked question of pastors is regarding determining God's will.  When it comes to making decisions, it is not enough to make the right decision, but it is also important to make it at the right time. Making the wrong decision or even the right decision but at the wrong time can be disastrous. Consequently, too often, even Christians get stuck in a whirlwind of confusion regarding making decisions whether big or small. However, "God is not a God of confusion but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33).

God primarily guides us through our cognitive abilities which He has given us. "The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). The Lord also guides us through the counsel of others because "in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14).  He directs us through doors which get opened at opportune time (1 Corinthians 16:9).  As the children of God, we are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14) through the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), especially when combined with a period of devoted prayer and fasting.

But none of the above works if you have disobedience in your heart. Like everything else we prayed for this week, we must begin by surrendering fully to His will. We must pray first, "Lord, not my will, but let your will be done in my life." Our culture conditions us to give in to our desires—to be conformed to this world—but our Holy God wants to transform us to desire to obey Him—by renewing the mind (Romans 12:2). This is predicated though on you presenting your body "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God." The result is worth it; the "good and acceptable and perfect will of God" will be manifest in your life (Romans 12:1).

Not all matters require hearing from God. As long as your desire does not conflict with Scriptural mandates, then the Lord gives you the freedom to make choices. Nevertheless, for those decisions that have long life impact, we ought to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting.  God promises, ". . .you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Because ultimately God sovereignly guides us because "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
and He delights in his way" (Psalm 37:23).

Today,

1. Pray, "Lord, I want, not my will, but your will to be done in my life."
2. Pray, "Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have bestow on my. I am thankful for everything."
3. Pray, "Lord, I need your guidance and direction on this [____] matter."