James 1:5 NIV — If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

How do I know what’s on the other side of the door of opportunity? Should I open the door and go through? What if I make the wrong choice? How can I discern the will of God?

Have you ever had these questions swirling through your head when you are in the midst of making a decision? I certainly have!  

Merriam-Webster defines discernment as the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving. How do you prepare to be open and ready for listening to God and being available for discernment? As we move throughout this week we will explore ways to prayerfully discern and accept the will of God.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, open my heart, mind, ears, and eyes as I prepare to discern and accept Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Take some time to read the following scriptures that we will focus on this week. 

James 1:5 NIV — If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV — And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.

1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV — For God is not a God of disorder but of peace — as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Spend some time in worship listening to Thy Will by Hillary Scott. Allow God to guide your thoughts and may you listen for His will.

Another lesser known song to listen to today is Discernment by Quinn Throness. If you have time, read her notes about the song under the video.

An atheist was upset and tired of his Christian neighbor praying next door. One day the lady did not have money for groceries and was praying loudly for God’s provision. The atheist got so tired of listening to her that went to the supermarket to buy her some groceries. He then left the bags on the steps in front of her house, rang the bell and hid in the bushes.  When the lady opened the door and saw the bags, she thanked God for the groceries and the atheist came out and said: I got you!! The lady asked him why he got her and he responded: “God does not exist, he did not buy you anything, I heard you and went and bought you the groceries and left them here.” 

The lady looked at him and then looked up and said: Thank you God for your provision and for making the devil pay for it!Click here for another funny story about God’s provision.

Psalm 139:5 — You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

One Sunday morning I was in need of a spiritual lift from God. The music in our church’s contemporary service was just what my soul needed. One song we sang was “Another in the Fire.” “Look Up Child” was another song that we sang and it spoke directly to my spirit. The words below were just what I needed to lift my mood.

Where are you now when darkness seems to win? Where are you now when the world is crumbling? Oh I hear you say, look up child.

Where are you now when all I feel is doubt? Oh where are you now when I can’t figure it out? Oh I hear you say, look up child.

You’re not threatened by the war. You’re not shaken by the storm. I know you’re in control even in our suffering, even when it can’t be seen, I know you’re in control. Oh I hear you say, look up child.

Dear friends, my prayer for you today is that you will find comfort, strength and courage in the knowledge that Your Creator is preparing the steps of your journey. No matter what the struggle, no matter what the battle, He is already ahead of you. Today open your eyes to His provision. Listen for the voice of God saying look up, child.

Let’s ponder the differences in the dictionary definition of provision and the Biblical definition of provision.

Dictionary definition of provision: the action of providing or supplying something for use

Biblical definition of provision: the act of providing or making previous preparations

The main difference in these definitions is that the Bible explains that God’s provision means He will make previous preparations. The Bible is full of examples of God’s provision — of God going before. Here are a few examples.

Deuteronomy 31:8 — The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 1:30 — Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf.

Psalm 139:5 — You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Isaiah 52:12 — For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 45:2 — I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.

This is only a drop in the bucket of examples of how God prepares the way for His people. Now I challenge you to stop and take a moment to look at your life. Really open your eyes to God’s provision for you today. How has He prepared the path for you? What doors are open or even closed because of His going before you?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for making provisions for me today. May I be aware of Your provisions and may I respond with a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 1:30 — Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf.

Payday is several days away and our baby boy is going to need diapers today. I get an unexpected call from the school bookkeeper for me to come to her office to pick up a reimbursement check. Relief and thanksgiving flood my spirit.

I am emotionally drained and am not sure if I can face another stressful day. I open up my devotion book and the scripture is my life verse. My spirit is renewed and I feel stronger.

I am struggling to complete the run interval and am ready to start walking when my friend encourages me to not give up. I keep on putting one foot in front of the other and am able to complete the goal.

All of the above situations are true stories that have occurred in my life. All of the above situations are examples of God’s provision.

What does provision mean to you? Reflect over times in your life when God has shown you provision.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your provision in my life. Open my eyes to all You do to show me Your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.