Dave’s Monday Blast — January 20, 2015

My wife and I are coaching my daughter’s 6th grade basketball team. We are having a great time…but man-oh-man…there are a lot of sport related skills that need to be taught. The process would work best is everyone listened well. We are working hard to convince the girls that following directions will make us most successful in every area. A great deal of the success one experiences in sports depends upon everyone working together; by following a directed strategy. In the broader perspective, I also believe that the most critical skill for a Christ follower to acquire is to follow God’s direction for life. Men of Intention understand this truth.

Last week we talked about the wisdom of following our “All-Service Guide” as He leads us through life. As I have coached a variety of sports, levels and genders over the years I have noticed that some athletes follow directions better than others; without exception, those that do enjoy the most success. We certainly find this to be true in all aspects of life as well. Bottom line…those who follow God’s directions are most effective for the Kingdom.

We are blessed that our omniscient heavenly Father is willing to make known to us His way. He wants to reveal exactly what to do in every situation. In fact, He promises this: ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalms 32:8).

Dr. Charles Stanley shares three tips on how to discern God’s direction at each crossroad in life:

1. Make certain you are clean before Him. You must INTENTIONALLY confess and repent of all sin. Then you can ask for and find direction. Listening to God while holding onto iniquity in our heart is like using a foggy and unreadable compass.

2. We must read Scripture regularly with a seeking, open heart. The Bible is a lamp on a dark path (Psalms 119:105).

3. The last step involves God’s indwelling Holy Spirit…this wonderful gift that the heavenly Father has given each of His children. The Spirit provides an assessment of Truth and guidance as we read the Word and pray. Here we must listen patiently and attentively for His leading, which is often communicated quietly to our hearts as we spend time with Him.

Just as in sports…learning new things takes time. We shouldn’t expect instant results (answers). The discipline of waiting, learning, listening builds character. If we try to rush the process we might have some immediate “victory” but it will no doubt be short lived. We must learn to listen and follow. I am once again reminded of the words to that old hymn, “Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey.”