In Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will, Kevin DeYoung offers some welcome wisdom to Christians paralyzed by an absence of divine guidance, or by conflicting omens. Instead of guessing at the hidden divine meaning of circumstances (essentially a kind of divination) or gullibly taking every passing thought or imagination as a Word or Vision From God… DeYoung suggests making intelligent decisions in accordance with what we know from scripture to be godly goals and wisdom, and then working out those decisions with diligence. Radical, huh?
Here’s the real heart of the matter, according to DeYoung: “Does God have a secret will of direction that He expects us to figure out before we do anything? And the answer is no.” Of course we are free to ask for his direction, but though we ought to be devoted to prayer in all matters, God does not burden us with seeking his will of direction ahead of our every decision. “God does have a specific plan for our lives, but it is not one that He expects us to figure out before we make a decision… Trusting in God’s will of decree is good. Following his will of desire is obedient. Waiting for God’s will of direction is a mess.”
