Divine Direction: Part 2 - "Wisdom to Discern" with Craig Groeschel - Life.Church

Wisdom to Decide: Walking, Asking, and Choosing

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Corinthians 16
• Proverbs 13:20
• James 1:5

Other references

• Proverbs 4:7
• 1 Thessalonians 3:1

Overview

Decisions shape our stories, yet many of us freeze because we fear missing the “perfect” choice. Pastor Craig reminded us that God rarely hands us a crystal-clear map; instead He offers something better—wisdom. When we walk with wise people, ask God for wisdom, and then courageously decide, He guides, advises, and watches over us step by step.

Context

This message is part 2 of the “Divine Direction” series that complements Pastor Craig’s new book by the same name. The sermon responds to a culture overloaded with options and paralyzed by the illusion of perfection, especially among emerging generations.

Main Points

1. Why decisions feel harder today

• Unlimited options (streaming channels, food delivery, etc.) make commitment intimidating.
• Social media intensifies the “illusion of perfection,” causing us to compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reels.
• Christians add another layer: fear of missing “the perfect will of God,” which can lead to making no decision—often the worst decision of all.

2. God gives wisdom more than He gives detailed directions

• Paul himself said “perhaps,” “wherever I go,” and “if the Lord permits” (1 Corinthians 16), proving even apostles lived with uncertainty.
• Refrain:

  “God, show me what to do.”
  God often answers, “I’ll give you wisdom to decide.”

• Solomon’s request (Proverbs 4:7 retold): he asked for wisdom, and God added everything else. Getting wisdom is “the wisest thing you can do.”

3. Three biblical steps for divine direction

Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20)

• Proximity is formative: “Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future.”
• Story: Pastor Craig changed his friend circle after salvation—learning finances from Dr. Al Schuler, marriage from Rich & Anna Duerr, and purity from friend Braun.
• Application: join a LifeGroup; parents, plug students into Switch.
• “It’s almost impossible to live the right life with the wrong friends.”

Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5)

• God gladly gives wisdom, but you must spend time with Him—in Scripture, prayer, and community.
• Illustration: The bike-riding video of his son shows a father guiding, advising, protecting, and celebrating—exactly what God promises to do.
• Favorite promise (book and chapter not cited aloud): “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch over you.”

Decide—make a choice

• Quoting Mr. Miyagi: stay on right side safe, left side safe, “middle … squish like grape.”
• God grants freedom within His moral boundaries: when there’s no clear command, choose.
• Story: $70K sales job vs. $12K staff pastor offer—he sought counsel, weighed calling over cash, and chose ministry. Decades of step-by-step decisions followed.
• Mistakes aren’t fatal; they yield wisdom (and sometimes an extra bill or semester).

Key Truths

• We make our decisions, and our decisions make us.
• Fear of an imperfect choice often produces the worst choice—no choice.
• Walking with wise believers is God’s primary delivery system for practical guidance.
• God promises wisdom to anyone who sincerely asks.
• Successful spiritual lives are built on countless small, faithful decisions, not a few dramatic ones.

Response

• Evaluate your closest friendships; pursue relationships that move you toward Jesus.
• Schedule daily time with God to ask boldly for wisdom.
• When Scripture gives no moral prohibition, decide in faith and act.
• Learn from every misstep and thank God for the wisdom gained.
• Join or start a LifeGroup this week for Christ-centered community.

Closing

God is not withholding direction; He is offering wisdom. As we walk with the wise, ask, and then decide, our Father guides, advises, and watches over us—keeping us out of the sticker patch and cheering each brave pedal forward.

“God, show me what to do.”
He answers, “I’ll give you wisdom to decide.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig thanked God for generously giving wisdom, asked that we be surrounded by wise friends, and invited those far from Christ to surrender fully. Many responded, praying for forgiveness, new life, and the Spirit’s guidance.

Resources

• Book: “Divine Direction: Seven Decisions That Will Change Your Life” by Craig Groeschel
• LifeGroups and Switch (student ministry) at Life.Church