November 6: When You Don't Know What to Do
You have a decision to make, and you honestly don’t know which way to go.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Maybe it’s about a job offer. Whether to move. Whether to go back to a relationship, or stay away. Whether to tell your family something hard. You’ve made pro and con lists. You’ve lain awake. Every option looks a little bit right and a little bit wrong.
Indecision is uncomfortable, and for people in recovery it can be risky. The longer you stay stuck, the more anxious you get. And anxiety looks for relief.
James makes a very plain promise. If anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask God. He gives to everyone generously, and without scolding. Notice that last part. God doesn’t roll His eyes when you ask for help. He doesn’t make you feel stupid for not knowing. He gives freely.
Step Eleven speaks to moments like this. When you face indecision, ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought, a decision. Then relax and take it easy. Don’t struggle. The program suggests that as you keep doing this, the guidance becomes more reliable over time. Not perfect. But more trustworthy than your own frantic thinking.
What does asking actually look like? Pray about it, honestly. “God, I don’t know what to do. Show me.” Then pay attention. Answers often come through ordinary things. A verse that jumps out. A friend who says something that clicks. A door that opens or closes. A sense of peace about one direction and unease about another.
It also helps to get your own will out of the way as much as you can. Ask yourself, “What do I want to be true here?” Sometimes you’ve already decided and you’re looking for permission. Be honest about that.
And talk to people. Wisdom from God often arrives through someone else’s mouth. A pastor, a sponsor, a wise friend. Lay it out for them and listen.
If no clear answer comes yet, you can make the smallest next step and trust Him with the rest. You rarely need to see the whole road. Just the next few feet.
One thing today
Write the decision at the top of a page. Pray James 1:5 over it. Then call one wise person and ask them what they see.
A prayer
Lord, I don’t know what to do. You promised wisdom to anyone who asks, so I’m asking. Show me the next step. Quiet my anxious thinking, and help me trust You with the rest. Amen.
Asking for direction is part of Step Eleven.
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