Have you ever made a decision thinking it was a good choice, but then later realized that you should’ve put more thought into it? If you had really taken more time to think about it, possibly even done a trial-run first, maybe you wouldn’t have gone through it.
For me, the most recent experience I had with this decision-making crossroad was when I decided I wanted to switch from teaching elementary students to high school students. Now, you may be thinking, “Why on earth would you want to do such a drastic change?” Well, I had taught 5th grade for ten years and felt like it was time for something new. I wrestled with whether that meant to try something new in teaching or leave teaching altogether. I finally decided that I wasn’t quite ready to leave teaching, so I started applying for junior high and high school positions.
I remember praying often that God would open the door to a position in junior high or high school if that was what He had for me. But, I honestly can’t recall asking the Lord for wisdom on if I should make the switch or not. I wanted a change. With a new school year approaching, I needed the change to come quickly.
The Source of Wisdom
In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul writes of his deep desire for the Ephesians to know more about the Lord and His love, power, and holiness. It’s in knowing God’s character and promises that we are more apt to trust the work of the Holy Spirit and live in a way that honors Him.
Paul asks the Lord in Ephesians 1:17 to give them, “spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him.” Wisdom is defined as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Who better to pray and ask for wisdom than the God of the universe who has all experience, knowledge, and good judgment?
Additionally, revelation is defined as the making known of something that was previously secret or unknown. Again, who better to ask for revelation than the One who knows all things?
The Strength of God’s Wisdom
Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in everything situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Over and over again Scripture speaks to talking to the Lord through prayer and going to Him for everything. That means going to Him for all the little and big decisions you need to make. He is with you always (Matthew 28:20) and desires to hear from you and show you His glory.
Looking back, I wish that Ephesians 1:17 had been on the forefront of my mind when I was making the decision to switch from teaching elementary to high school. The Lord was gracious to give me what my heart desired, but my one year of teaching high school was rough.
I remember thinking, “If I had just taken the time to seek more wisdom on this, such as shadowing a high school teacher to get a better idea of what it was like, I might have not gone through with the desire to teach high school…” But, God is good to still use every single season in our lives to allow us to grow and use us for His glory.
I may not have enjoyed teaching high school, but I know God had me at that school for a reason. It wasn’t a waste of a year. The Lord is kind in all things.
My prayer for you is that you’d welcome the Lord into your life and let Him guide your decisions. Ask Him for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that He can guide your feet and reveal to you the next place to step.
