Q: How can you tell if God wants you to go into a certain direction or if it is something else in your life, even your own desires?
A: That’s really the crux of the matter isn’t it? I think it really does start as James says in chapter 1, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”Ask God. Is it consistent with God’s teaching? Is it consistent with what he’s declared his will to be?
Practically, Fellowship and being around others following after Christ. In Proverbs we are told “Being in the council of many others brings wisdom.” We are warned that our hearts can be deceptive, but the Spirit of God will make your path straight. If your intentions are in line with the first two, well…
If you’re unsure, talk with an older, wiser, more mature Christian, perhaps your discipler. Then, step out boldly. I’ve found that if you are trying to walk with God, he will keep your path straight.
Q: Is there any real difference between prayer and luck? Don’t you have basically the same odds of something happening either, since God says no frequently?
A: Firstly, you forgot an answer. Sometimes, God says, not yet. Secondly, It’s not simply a question of odds. The real question behind this seems to be, “Does God really answer prayer?” God has given us the choice to not pray. To throw your fate to the universe and hope it lands in your favor. God has invited his people to come into his presence, and, as a child does to their father, ask him what you will. Daddy knows best, and sometimes, the answer is no, you can’t have ice cream. Sometimes, it’s wait until tomorrow for ice cream. God wants nothing more than for us to come to him, climb into his lap, and ask him questions.
You may remember the story of Job, who was a righteous man. He was just minding his own business, and all of a sudden, BAM! Cattle dead. BAM! Family dead. BAM! Him on his deathbed. Do you think that God didn’t want him to pray? Most of that book is Job crying out to God.
God does say no at times. But let me encourage you to pray. Most of my prayer life is giving praise to God, because I know God likes to be praised, and when we praise him, God is happy.