Just finished reading Just Do Something by Kevin Deyoung and found some helpful insights concerning discerning God's will in our lives. I like reading Deyoung's book because his writing is simple and easy to read. He also uses a lot of humor in his writings which made the book more enjoyable. I would recommend this book to any person trying to figure out God's will for their lives in any area of life, but specifically in regards to dating and finding the right career.
What is the Will of God?
Deyoung argues that the will of God can mean several things. First, God's will of decree is what he decides to do in eternity past and what he will accomplish no matter what. For example, it was God's will of decree in eternity past that the Son of God would suffer for man's sin and he would even predestine a redeemed group unto salvation (see Ephesians 1-2). Second, God's will of desire is His purposes or commands that can either be obeyed or disobeyed. For example, it is God's will of desire that Christians rejoice always, give thanks in every circumstance, and be Holy. However, Christians can reject God's will of desire through their disobedience. Finally, God's will of direction is what many Christians seek to know. His will of direction includes concerns such as: Who should I marry? Should I go on a missions trip this summer? What College should I attend? What should my major be? What career should I choose?
With God's will of direction, Deyoung argues that his will of direction is not emphasized in Scripture as the first two. In other words, God cares more about a Christian fulfilling His will of desire than trying to figure out whom we are to marry or what job should we choose. Does this mean that God doesn't care for those things? Of course not! Here is where I found the book to be very helpful and practical: If we don't know his will of direction for our lives, but follow his will of desire (i.e. the commands of Scripture); then everything else will fall into place. In other words, We must use SANCTIFIED COMMON SENSE!
Deyoung says that we should not overspiritualize things and just use plain wisdom in making the non-moral choices in regards to finding a spouse or choosing a career. Although there is no specific instruction in the Scriptures concerning whom should I marry or what job should I choose, there are specific principles in Scripture such as being holy, faithful, joyful, patient, kind, loving, etc (see Gal. 5:22-25). Simply put, take care of these things, then use sanctified common sense and make the decision in faith!
What College should I attend? What Career should I pursue? Whom should I marry?
Now to get very practical, Deyoung offers a couple of principles regarding the specifics in our lives where we need direction and guidance. Remember, you don't have to try to magically flip open the Bible to any random page and wait to hear "a word from the Lord" while neglecting the context of passage you are reading. You don't have to cast lots or roll dice or wait for the Lord to write in the clouds concerning your decision. Just use sanctified common sense!
1. Check Scripture Regarding Your Decision
Do you get the green light from the Scripture? For example, if you are interested in someone, but know that the person is a non-believer, you know that it is not God's will at the moment to date or marry that person. Or if you have to choose a job between working as a school teacher or taking pictures of models at the playboy mansion, I think its pretty obvious what God's will for you is.
2. Get Advice from Wise People
After you have checked the Scriptures and got the green light, ask wise Christian brothers and sisters concerning your decisions. The proverbs are full of instruction concerning getting counsel from mature saints. I remember asking lots of people within my church family regarding my decision to pursue Helen. I remember that I didn't want to pursue her because she didn't read a book a day, talk like a philosophy and theology nerd, and because she was too girly. One Christian brother said to me in wisdom, "So, you want to date a man?" I was enlightened that very moment because I knew he was right! Simple and profound insights come from other Christian brothers and sisters.
3. Pray Over Your Decision
Ask the Lord for guidance. Ask Him to give you peace. Tell Him you want to glorify Him in your decision. Tell Him that you want His will to be done in your life.
4. Make the Decision in Faith
Romans 14:23 says, "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." After you have checked the Scriptures, received wise counsel from your brothers and sisters in the Lord, and prayed, then just make the decision! Remember that God is Sovereign even if you made the wrong decision and he can work all things out for good (Rom. 8:28)! Remember that if God could work good out of a bloody cross for your salvation, he can also work good in a decision you have concerning school or a spouse! Simply put, trust the Lord!
Kevin Deyoung's Just Do Something was a great read. If you want more explanation, you can purchase his book here.
