Topic: When You Don’t Know What To Do Next – Daily Devotional by Proverbs 31 Ministries 2 April 2020

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“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where it feels impossible to have wisdom, direction and discernment about what to do next.

Which is exactly how I felt that morning.

There wasn’t anything tragically wrong. I hadn’t gone through a major life-change, but I just didn’t know what step to take next as I looked at my to-do list of prayed-through possibilities.

I sat at my simple white desk in my office with the bright white walls and big windows. The simplicity and light of this room normally filled me with peace as I worked. But sudden anxiety made this bright space seem as if a dark cloud quickly moved to cover the brightness.

It brought to mind all the questions:

What if I get the next step wrong?
What if I miss what God has for me?
What if I am not brave enough to do what I need to do next?

It’s often these questions we ask ourselves that lead to the greatest thoughts of doubt, discouragement and defeat.

But there’s a saying: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” It reminds me of today’s key verse: “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life” (Proverbs 19:20). As we surround ourselves with people who reflect God, their wisdom can help guide us toward our next step.

So, I texted the wisest friend I know, and asked if I could get her perspective about the things on my list. Instead of texting back what she thought I should do, she asked me three important questions.

Questions that helped me change the way I was looking at the list.
Questions I want to share with you if you’re also in a season of seeking.
Questions that offer the chance to reflect godly wisdom and that I hope encourage you, too.

Question One: Who are the people you are here for?

This is important because we can start to think we’re here for everyone, all the time. But the reality is, there’s a burden God has placed inside of you for a specific set of people here on this earth. Figure out who they are and then …

Question Two: What are you supposed to give them?

Each of us has a unique gift to bring to this world. The people you’re here for need what you have to give them. Whether it be time, encouragement, prayer, teaching or a dozen other possibilities, never think this world has everything it needs. It needs what you have to give.

Question Three: What gives you the most energy when you put energy into it?

There are certain things we have to do in life that don’t necessarily feel life-giving, and yet we have to do them anyway. But your God-assignments should make you feel like you’re alive and ready to do it again and again and again.

I let these three questions turn into prayers. And slowly, God started to reveal where to direct my focus on that list of possibilities.

He is ready to do the same for you. You can have clarity. You can have a sense of direction. And you can trust the process of finding wisdom for your life.

And if you don’t believe that just yet, I believe it for you.

Dear God, thank You for reminding me today how important it is to surround myself with the right voices and how they help me ask the right questions to bring Your direction to my life. Help me listen, learn and lead others in the same way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Proverbs 12:25, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” (ESV)

Proverbs 3:18, “Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.” (NLT)