Sometimes we really don't know what to do. The possibilities each look good. But to choose anything except for the right choice could have serious long term negative results. I'd been in China for two years when a missionary I liked and respected said, God told me that you're the man that's going to marry me.
At the same time, I had a huge crush on a local woman who was also a Christian. And there was a third person, a friend I also had very strong feelings for. I was so confused. I prayed and I waited a little while. Not very long. I didn't hear any answers.
My emotions were clouding my thinking. My mind was all over the place. I finally got some private time with a much older missionary who visited China frequently. A man I greatly respected. He quoted scripture for God is not the Author of confusion. First Corinthians 14:33. And he said, don't do anything until the confusion lifts and you have peace.
Then you will know. I knew that if I chose the wrong person to marry, it could shipwreck God's plans for my life. I waited. Five years later, I chose the third option. There was no doubt and the other two had long faded into my past. I'm still glad I chose Karen, my wife of 28 years.
As I look back now, I can't imagine how I ever struggled. It just seemed so obvious. But it wasn't then. It really wasn't. Life can get pretty confusing and we can make some big mistakes. We need God's Word and the Holy Spirit to help us daily. Living God's Word sets you free.
Satan holds us captive by thoughts, emotions, beliefs and experiences from our past. Jesus provided a path for us to know the truth and to live in the light of that truth. John 8:31 in the Amplified Bible says so Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed him, if you abide in My Word continually obeying My teaching and living in accordance with them, then you are truly my disciples.
Verse 32. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Abiding is the key. Jesus personal promise to you and I is that as we abide, as you live daily in His Word, reading, memorizing, declaring, obeying and praying His Word. You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.
Satan's deceptions will be broken and revelation light will flood your life. Every time you open your Bible, demons shudder. You're receiving the truth and the power to defeat their schemes against you as you read and live from God's word. But the key is we have to abide there. We have to stay there.
Holy Spirit guides us as we read God's word. He leads us into the truth, and then he gives us the ability to live it out.