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How do you know when to go, and when to wait?

It seems we all have this longing to know, should I go or should I wait? This could be a decision in the moment you are facing right now, or more of a long arch, life purpose decision such as a career change or sense of calling in your heart. I have been researching and studying answers to this question for a long time. Growing in making the “best” decision versus a “good” or “better” choice takes time, and is a lifelong pursuit.

The photo below is from a July mountain hike in British Columbia, which inspired today’s post. Do you see the path as where you are headed or where you have been? Do you notice the beauty along the way? I believe the ideas below will encourage you and help you with your “how to know when to go” decisions…

One resource that has really helped me with the question “Should I go or should I wait?” is the daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Below are two key highlights from the March 20th devotion titled “Friendship with God.”

THE DELIGHTS OF HIS FRIENDSHIP — Go Unless God Says Wait
It is possible to be growing in your friendship with God, to be “so intimately in touch with God, that you never need to ask Him to show you His will. When you have a right-standing relationship with God you have a life of freedom, liberty, and delight; you are God’s will. All of your common sense decisions are His will for you, unless you sense a feeling of restraint brought on by a check in your spirit. We are free to make decisions in the light of a perfect and delightful friendship with God, knowing that if our decisions are wrong He will lovingly produce that sense of restraint. Once He does, you must stop immediately.” This approach has transformed my decision making and faith journey. “Go unless God says wait (unless He checks my spirit)” is very different than “wait until God says clearly says go,” which is what I would prefer, and you probably would too.

THE DIFFICULTIES OF HIS FRIENDSHIP — Believe as You Go
“Whenever we stop short of our true desire in prayer and say, ‘Well I don’t know, maybe the is not God’s will,’ then we still have another level to go. Think of the last thing you prayed about — were you devoted to your desire or to God? The reason for asking is so you may get to know God better.” This has helped me to keep believing anything is possible with God, when He has asked me to “obey and go” regarding a specific direction or special project. Remember where you have been, and be grateful for God’s faithfulness. Focus on where you are headed, and have faith God will show the way.

How can Oswald Chambers’ words help you to know when to go, or wait?

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4