Is The Light Red
or Green?
October 20, 2003
It may be you need to know right now if God is
releasing you from your current job or some other
responsibility. If you're in that situation, I'd suggest there
are four lights that must be green before you move on.
First, determine if your motivation is to escape a
problem or pursue a fresh vision God has given you. If you're
just trying to escape a burning building, be careful. Since
failure is the seed of success it may be the lessons you'll
learn from your current situation will equip you for later
success. Running away is seldom the best solution.
Second, determine if you can make the move and
still hold to your core values. God never asks us to leave one
leadership position so we can assume another one that will cause
us to abandon our core values. And even if a core value isn't
threatened, be sure no biblical principle is compromised.
Third, seek wise counsel. One reason effective
leaders make consistently good decisions is because they gain
insight from others. Avoid seeking advice from people who will
tell you what you want to hear.
Fourth, ask God for guidance. Remember, Jesus spent significant
chunks of time with his Father in prayer. While I've never heard
an audible voice from God telling me what to do, I have sensed
whether a course of action is consistent with his will. How can
I tell? If I've taken the above three steps and sense no
resistance then I know the decision is morally acceptable to God
and supported by wise counsel. If in spite of this, I feel a
sinking in my gut, I know God is not behind the move. On the
other hand, if as I pray I have a growing sense of excitement,
then I know God is nudging me forward.
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