Don't Worry About Missing an Exit!

Remember: It's about the Journey AND the Destination...

This summer, I started a limited series on Decision Making, including basic principles and a bit more specific guidance as we went along. It was titled "God's Will is not What you Think," and the title was specific for a reason.

God's will ISN'T what you THINK. It's what God says it is.

I know that can come across as trite and basic, but so often, we substitute our own desires, our own will, our own wants, etc... for what God has clearly already said. That, or in our effort to "get something done," we move out ahead of God and act in a way that's clearly not taught in Scripture, figuring "all's well that ends well."

But the fact is clear: The Bible tells us there are specifics to God's will.

And almost every step of the way, those "specifics" are tailored to "sanctification."

Let's dig in to God's will, starting with Lesson 1 - Don't Worry about Missing the Exit.


Lesson 1 Handout: Don't Worry about Missing the Exit 

Key Issue: Many struggle with decision-making, either overanalyzing and stalling or acting impulsively without considering long-term impacts. Avoid the “can’t risk missing my exit” syndrome by following biblical principles for wise, faith-driven choices. 

Core Principles for Decision-Making 

• Walk in Wisdom 
• Align decisions with Scripture’s commands and principles (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 
• God’s Word is a “lamp unto my feet” (Psalm 119:105), guiding the next step, not the entire journey. 
• Focus on God’s moral will (1 Thessalonians 4:3), which emphasizes righteous living and sanctification. 
• It’s About Relationship, Not Location 
• God guides through your relationship with Him, not just specific destinations (Proverbs 3:5–6). 
• Trust His leading, even when feelings or desires conflict (e.g., Paul’s redirected missions, Acts 16:6–10). 
• Understand Your Tendencies 
• We often make decisions based on what we want and then justify them afterward. 
• Be cautious not to confuse personal desires with God’s will (Deuteronomy 29:29). 
• Understand God’s Will 
• Sovereign Will: God’s unchangeable, secret plan (Proverbs 16:33). Trust He is in control. 
• Moral Will: God’s commands for righteous living (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Live within these boundaries. 
• Not Specific Directions: Scripture rarely specifies exact choices (e.g., who to marry, what job to take). Instead, God gives freedom within His moral boundaries. 
• Choose Faith Over Fear 
• Let faith, grounded in Scripture, guide decisions, not fear of “missing out.” 
• “I being in the way, the Lord led me” (Genesis 24:27). Stay faithful, and God will guide. 

Core Practice for Decision-Making 

• Scripture: Ensure choices align with God’s moral will (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 
• Prayer: Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). 
• Wise Counsel: Seek advice from godly, experienced believers (Proverbs 12:15, 19:20). 
• Personal Desires & Circumstances: Within moral boundaries, consider preferences and opportunities (Psalm 37:4). 
• Common Sense: Use reason and practical judgment. ("count the cost," Three Rectangles) 
• Church: God has established His church, and you need to be part of it. ("and so much the more, as you see the day approaching") 

Cautions 

• Avoid Misattributing Desires to God: Be honest about motives to avoid self-deception. 
• Be Wary of Fleeces: 
• Fleeces (Judges 6:36–40) are not standard practice and can lead to misguided choices. 
• If used, a fleece must be unmistakably miraculous, not based on feelings or coincidence. 
• Don’t Rely on Feelings: Emotions can be “traitorous.” Trust Scripture’s clear guidance (Psalm 119:105). 
• Avoid Mysticism: God’s will is revealed in Scripture, not through vague signs or “frequencies” (Romans 12:2). 

Key Scriptures for Guidance 

• Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; He will direct your paths. 
• James 1:5: Ask God for wisdom, and He will provide it generously. 
• Psalm 119:105: God’s Word is a lamp and light, guiding your next step. 
• Romans 12:2: Be transformed by renewing your mind to discern God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will. 

Focus on the Clear to Navigate the Unclear 

• God’s will is knowable through Scripture, not a hidden puzzle to solve. 
• Stay faithful in the “boxes” of your circumstances (nation, status, finances, etc.). 
• Trust God’s guidance through study, prayer, and wise counsel, not fleeting emotions. 
• Rest in God’s sovereignty, knowing His plan will prevail (Deuteronomy 29:29) but that His plan focuses on our becoming more like Him, not our becoming more comfortable. 

Takeaway: Decision-making is a journey of faith, not fear. Ground your choices in Scripture, seek wisdom, and trust God to lead you step by step. 

True Love casts out Fear 

-1 John 4:18-