Seek First Project: Pleasing God, or Men? (Day 48)

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For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10 

One of the most difficult things about being at a crossroads is that opinions and advice come at you from every direction. When the crossroads feels more like a rock and a hard place, the pressure to make the right choices can become smothering!

Stress can really multiply during these times. When advice is from people you love, you don’t want to let them down by taking a different path. When opinions come from strangers, the sting of judgment can leave an already raw heart bleeding.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying some guidance from your inner circle of trusted, Christian loved ones is a bad thing. Quite the opposite! It can be the way that God answers your prayer for guidance and answers!

All I’m saying is, we have to be careful whom we go to for advice. We have to be cautious about which opinions we let into our hearts and our decision-making process. If the suggestions aren’t coming from wise, Christian people who both know and love you, then you may want to accept their advice, and then move in the way God had you moving to begin with… you know what I mean?

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When you’re in a hard spot, fears and worries on every side, not sure which way to turn, here are a few things to keep as a general rule:
1. Go to God, first and always. Search the scriptures for how God would want you to handle the particular situation you’re in.   
2. Calling all prayer warriors! Get the word out that you’re on your knees and want others to join you! You don’t have to share details, the Lord knows them all.
3. Keep your circle small and trusted. Find the people who will surround you with scripture and sound, Christian advice, and clue them in on what’s going on. Take their advice or thoughts to heart and bring them to God to weigh carefully.
4. Be still. Often, our first instincts will be to run or move or do something. While there are times when this is necessary, if at all possible, take the time to do numbers 1-3 before making any decisions or taking any action. Often sitting with an issue for even a few days will cause you to think more clearly and approach things more calmly.
5. Stand confidently in the decision God has led you to, knowing that He will not forsake you. We are called to be in this world, but not to seek after things of this world. Seek after the Lord, and stand firm in that stance.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. – Psalm 27:1, 3, 5

 

Dear God, I come to You on behalf of myself, and on behalf of all who are reading this today who have big issues in their lives and need direction. We know that You are the only One with the answers we seek. We know that You are the only One who loves us, who will never abandon us, who longs to give us a future and a hope. Help us to patiently seek and listen, Lord. Surround us with Christian family and friends who will help us stay the path You set us on. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

 


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May God Bless You,

Shelly

One Comment on “Seek First Project: Pleasing God, or Men? (Day 48)

  1. Great thoughts Shelly. Thanks! My computer journal is looking great & is full of excellent verses, thoughts, actions & prayers. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
    PS. I hope your leg is healing well now. ♥♥

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