Confusion in Choosing

CAUSES OF DIFFICULTY

Pain is inevitable, misery is option - Adrian Rogers.

He had it all—except wisdom. Flocks by the thousands grazed in his fields, a beautiful wife adorned his arm, and food and drink were abundant in his household. But a foolish choice made by Nabal—whose name means “fool”—would prove fatal.

David and his small, young army had been protecting Nabal’s shepherds and sheep. Then during a time of shearing and feasting, David asked Nabal for food to sustain his men in the wilderness. This reasonable request was met only with resentment and an insulting refusal. As a result of Nabal’s selfish, self-absorbed, self-indulgent decision, he met his death prematurely: Ten days later, the Lord took his life.

Our decisions can be costly when they are made with mixed motives and spiritual immaturity.

A. What Causes Clouds of Confusion?

“Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse?” (1 Samuel 25:10)

Nabal spouts condescendingly in contempt.

Who was David? Nabal likened him to a runaway slave, but this David, whom Nabal refused to help, was the next king of Israel. Enraged by Nabal’s response, David directs 400 of his men to arm themselves to take vengeance on Nabal and his household. “David had just said, ‘It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!’ ” (1 Samuel 25:21–22)

Nabel who is foolish and lacks self control in his personal life

David who was too quick to write a wrong done to him.

Common reasons for having clouds of confusion engulfing your decision-making process include …

• Not having pure motives “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)

• Not surrendering your will “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’ ” (Matthew 26:39)

• Not seeking God’s will through His Word “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

• Not repenting of known sin in my life “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18)

• Not praying continually and earnestly “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

• Not expecting God to answer “When he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6–7)

• Not patiently waiting for God’s timing “After waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (Hebrews 6:15)

“You can save a lot of time by waiting on God.”

• Not willing to suffer for the glory of Christ “Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1–2)

B. What Place Do “Natural Reactions” Have in Our Decisions?

It is not “natural” for us to live life God’s way, especially if we are used to doing things our way—the way we have always done them—such as acting foolish or being vengeful. Following the Lord completely means following Him in every area—including in the way we make decisions. Since His way is the right way, for us to pursue what is natural to us may lead to making disastrous decisions that result in regret. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

The Christian life is impossible without Christ. - Pastor Adam

□ Do you wait too long before asking God to show you His will?

□ Do you ask everyone you know for advice instead of asking God?

□ Do you fail to look at the big picture?

□ Do you lie about failure, whether big or small?

□ Do you ignore or minimize the impact your decision will have on others?

□ Do you make choices too quickly?

□ Do you fail to weigh the pros and cons of a specific action?

□ Do you fail to explore other options?

□ Do you take action prematurely before making necessary plans?

□ Do you overlook the moral implications of a decision? “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” (Proverbs 16:21)

Question: “What can I do when the way seems dark about a decision that must be made?”

Answer: Many times the Bible speaks specifically to a circumstance in your life. At other times, you must look for guiding biblical principles that can light your way. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)