Before I became serious about my relationship with the Lord, I depended heavily upon my own wisdom, and the advice of others. If I had a decision to make, I researched the matter thoroughly by reading everything I could find on the subject. Unfortunately, I almost always left God out of the equation, and I often suffered needlessly because of it. Since I've committed every aspect of my life to the Lord, I've discovered that He delights in being involved in all of my decisions, both large and small. Needless to say, the outcomes of my decisions have improved greatly since then. My guess is that you are facing some decisions of your own today. Perhaps you need to decide on a career or job opportunity that's come before you. Or you have a health issue that demands a decision. Maybe you have a financial dilemma on your mind today. Or a relationship that you have some questions about. Let me share with you some biblical principles that will help you to receive God's best in your situation.

The first thing you need to do is to surrender yourself to God. Some Christians have the idea that surrender is a one-time thing--something that's only done at the moment of salvation--but it's not. Surrender should be a lifestyle for the believer, a moment-by-moment exercise that leads not only to God's best, but to greater and greater spiritual strength. Jesus said: "Any of you who does not forsake (renounce, surrender claim to, give up, say good-bye to) all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33 AMP) If we want to be the kind of disciples that the Lord can use, reward, and depend on, then we must continually submit ourselves to His will for every area of our lives. This kind of submission keeps us in a place of safety and blessing. As Scripture says: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 NIV) By putting these principles into action, we literally shut the door on Satan and his evil plans for us, and we open the door to God’s best.

The next thing to do is to search your heart and make sure that you have a true willingness to obey the Lord in your situation. Do you believe that God loves you with a perfect love, and that He wants what is best for you every single time? How you answer these questions will help determine if your trust in the Lord and His intentions are what they should be. Jesus said: "I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself...but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me." (John 5:30 AMP) True Christlikeness means that we are continually focused on pleasing God, even at the expense of our own desires. We may have to make some initial sacrifices in order to do the Lord's will, but in the long run, our obedience will profit us greatly, even as it honors God. As Scripture says: "If your life honors the name of Jesus, He will honor you." (2 Thessalonians 1:12 MSG)

Lastly, let the Lord do the leading in your situation. Be sensitive to His leadership through the Holy Spirit. Stubbornness is not an option! Proverbs says: "Blessed are those who have a tender conscience, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble." (Proverbs 28:14 NLT) I grew up having a stubborn streak a mile long. All it ever brought me was trouble--in my relationships, in school, on the job, and everywhere else. The Bible says: "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols." (1 Samuel 15:23 NLT) If you have a problem with stubbornness, confess it to the Lord, and cooperate with Him to get it out of your life forever. God offers to lead us in the paths of His best blessings, but He can't do that if we refuse to follow His lead. "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'" (Psalm 32:8-9 NLT) I challenge you to put these divine principles to work for yourself--and make the right decision every time.

Prayer: Lord, I come to You this day with this decision I have before me. I surrender to You all of my own ideas and desires, and I ask You to align my will with Yours. I choose to follow You with all my heart, knowing that You will get the glory, and I will get Your best.