Encouragement for Today
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March 14, 2025 Which Way Do I Go, God? |
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“I don’t know why, but I think I need to turn this job down,” my husband said. “I don’t have a good feeling about it.”
I nodded and relaxed my shoulders. Weeks of travel, interviews and waiting culminated in this conversation. As my husband searched for a job, we prayed for wisdom and clear direction. We wanted to honor God with our decision, and now we had some guidance, though it didn't seem like much: little more than an uneasy feeling and a lack of peace about moving forward. While my husband’s admission brought some relief, I still yearned for a clear sign outlining our next steps.
Have you ever been there? You encounter a major decision that will change the trajectory of your family’s life, and you want nothing more than to make the right choice. You weigh the pros and cons and look at the information you have, but the data on paper doesn’t match God's prompting in your heart.
In today’s key Bible verses, the writer made a key distinction: God’s understanding and wisdom differ from ours. In fact, we’re advised not to rely on our own understanding but to trust completely in God’s divine guidance.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
King Solomon, who wrote most of Proverbs, was regarded as the wisest man on earth during his reign. People traveled from around the world to seek his counsel (1 Kings 4:30-31). And yet here he acknowledged that true wisdom does not come from knowledge or power. It comes from God alone.
So how do we obtain this wisdom and direction? By submitting to Him — not just in the areas where we think we need Him but in everything.
If we want to receive God’s guidance, our thirst for Him must be greater than our thirst for answers. When we come to Him with a humble heart open to receive His leading, He responds.
Even though my husband and I didn’t have certainty about what would happen on the other side of our decision, we had peace from God. Despite the employer’s promises of advancement, we suspected this path would also lead to constant unrest, and we knew God wouldn’t lead us in that direction. My husband turned down the offer, and God confirmed our choice months later.
Friend, if you’re facing a major life decision and don’t know how to proceed, submit your plans to God. Follow His Word and His gentle promptings in your heart. He will not lead you astray.
God, thank You for not leaving us to make decisions on our own. You are a gracious God who leads us with Your loving eye on us and who is more than willing to give us wisdom when we ask. When we don’t know which way to go, draw us to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Vulnerability can mean different things to different people, but does the Bible actually call us to embrace it? In this new episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, Dr. Joel Muddamalle takes us straight to God's Word to explore how vulnerability fits into our walk with Christ. You’ll learn the difference between “being vulnerable” and “being authentic,” how to discern between “unwise vulnerability” and “wise vulnerability,” and practical tips to overcome fear of or resistance to sharing with others. Don’t miss this powerful conversation — tune in now!
Abby McDonald’s book Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God offers more insights into how a simple shift in perspective can allow the power of God to reign in our lives. Pick up your copy here!
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (ESV).
When have you faced a major decision where you needed God’s guidance? How did God lead you? Tell us about it in the comments.© 2025 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved.
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