When you walk in the Spirit of God, you don't have to fret about every decision. You know the heart of God and are sensitive to conviction, so you can step forward in faith. If you make a mistake, conviction will stop you. This freedom comes when you've studied Scripture so much that you know the nature and character of God in the deepest places in your heart. It's as much a part of you as breathing.
Last year, I prayed about a big decision for several months. I felt good about saying yes, but wanted to honor some other people who were involved. I brought it to them and asked for feedback. They were at peace with my yes, too. When the deadline arrived, I felt certain that I had the freedom to choose. God neither convicted me nor urged me on. Because I was excited about the fun opportunity, I decided to go for it. There was so much joy in my heart.
Another situation came up recently where I could save some money, but it was in a questionable way. I didn't see another option and it isn't directly addressed in Scripture, but conviction hit me so hard that I decided it would be better to pay full price than suffer the guilt. After I made the decision not to do it, God provided an option I hadn't known existed and I spent less than I'd hoped. I wasn't afraid that God would allow me to be killed or maimed if I disobeyed, but I knew I wouldn't have peace.
If I'd ignored the conviction of the Spirit and done it anyway, it would've made a little callous on my heart. Enough callouses and I'd no longer be sensitive to conviction. I've been there before and it's not worth it. I'm not going back again. It only leads to misery.
When we know the heart of God and walk in the Spirit, we are free. It's a really good place to be. "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." -2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT
I recorded a short devotional message that goes along with this topic, but considers a few other things. If you'd like to learn more, check it out. If it ministers to you, please share this post to your social media so we can reach more people for Jesus.
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