God’s Will for You Is Not a Multiple-Choice Test - Encouragement for Today - April 10, 2025
God’s Will for You Is Not a Multiple-Choice Test
ABBY MCDONALD
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“Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’” John 14:5 (NIV)
I was lost — and in the middle of a lake. Easing my grip off the throttle, I let the jet ski come to a stop and looked at the islands around me. The problem was they all looked the same. Saying a prayer and giving my best guess about our dock’s location, I headed left.
Seconds later, I heard a voice behind me. From the passenger seat, my teenage son said, “Where are you going? You need to go right.” At that moment, I realized he was a better navigator on the open lake. We entered the no-wake zone several minutes later, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Reflecting on this experience reminds me of seasons of life when I felt lost, wondering which way to turn. I longed for God to give me a sign to tell me I was headed in the right direction. I envisioned God’s will as something like a multiple-choice test: If I didn’t pick the right answer, I would end up in unfixable turmoil.
But as I learned more about God through His Word, I discovered He is for me. And when someone is for you, they want you to flourish.
In today’s key Bible verse, Jesus had just given His disciples some confusing news. Not only was He going to die, resurrect and go to heaven, but He would later return to take them with Him. He told them that He would prepare a place for them and that they would know how to get there. But Thomas understandably said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).
It seems like a pretty logical question, right? Like many of us, Thomas wanted a clear path. God, just give me a map to get there, and we’ll be good! Specific directions make us feel safe, as though the outcome is guaranteed. But, friends, Jesus is our guarantee.
Jesus confronted Thomas’ limiting belief with one simple statement: “I am the way …” (John 14:6a, NIV). The way isn’t found by picking A, B or C. Jesus Himself is it. He is the path we long for.
As we surrender our need for a road map, we find freedom in the One who holds all our tomorrows in His hand.
What does this surrender look like? It can look like trading our black-and-white answers for knowledge of God’s character and His Word. It can look like laying down our need for another sign and instead trusting the direction He’s given us.
Friend, Jesus says His sheep know His voice (John 10:27-28). Let’s claim this truth and live like children who know it.
God, thank You for showing us who You are through Your Word. Thank You that Your Spirit helps us to make good decisions. When we’re unsure which way to go, give us confidence in our ability to hear Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Have you ever felt like God was prompting you to do something but questioned whether it was His voice? Abby’s new book, Surrendering Certainty, explores how to grow in confidence that we can hear God without second-guessing ourselves. Preorder your copy here, and receive the free guide “3 Questions to Help You Know Whether It’s His Voice.”
ENGAGE
Are there areas of your life where you can’t seem to find a breakthrough? Click here to take Abby’s “5 Days to Life Unstuck” Challenge.
You can also connect with Abby on her website.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV).
When have you envisioned God’s will like a multiple-choice test? How do you think it affected your confidence in making decisions? Tell us about it in the comments.
© 2025 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
