Casting lots
#1
Posted 23 September 2010 - 05:21 PM
Would 'casting lots', or todays equivalent of flipping a coin, be an appropiate means of making a decision? If, as in Acts, a matter has been prayed about, then can the decision be placed in the Lord's hands by casting lots and trusting the result is God's Will? And when would casting lots be considered right? After a month, or a year, or a decade of praying for an answer and seeing no answer?
Your thoughts please.
#2 Guest_Marvin Harrell_*
Posted 24 September 2010 - 07:06 AM
There have been times when I hear and know...and move rapidly in that direction. I guess that's why this life is the great adventure! I'm praying for your decision and that you will hear Him telling you which way to go, Travis.
#3
Posted 24 September 2010 - 05:35 PM
I thank you for your prayers, and I shall let you know how we decide to decide, and what that decision results in. No matter what though, The Word still reminds us "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
#4
Posted 29 September 2010 - 09:32 AM
When I think of flipping a coin for big decisions in my life though, WOW that would require trust that God is in it!
#5
Posted 29 September 2010 - 09:54 AM
#6
Posted 02 October 2010 - 01:58 PM
This time in my life, we had what seemed to me a huge decision. My husband left it up to me as he was working and it didn't matter as much to him. It seemed so crucial at the time.
I had been praying for the answer for a couple of months. Nothing came.
This one day, I prayed for God to show me what we should do. I felt I was against a wall and had no idea what to do. And it seemed so important. Then I read where I had left off the day before. Judges 6. Gideon not only had thrown out fleece-twice! but he had earlier asked the Angel of God to prove he was who he said!
I read the chapter.
Then I wondered if God wanted me to throw out a fleece. It was just so opportune that I read that chapter that morning. So I prayed asking if that was what God wanted.
After I asked, I believe God spoke to me quite clearly, the only time I have ever heard such communication. I told God I thought it was tempting him to throw out a fleece. The thought came to me, again, clearly, 'You are mine. Whatever you decide is my will for you.' I was filled with wonder!
I felt a weight lifted.
I pulled out the documents that were related to this decision and reread a letter that was the last correspondence. Suddenly I saw this entire situation differently. The decision was so obvious!
From then on, whenever I can't decide, I consider options, pray and decide. I no longer worry about making the correct decision. If I am abiding in my Lord, talking with Him and reading his words to me, I will make the correct decision.
On looking back, that impossible decision was not worth all of my anxiety. And the correct path was taken. My husband and I both believe we took the right path.
I think He taught me an important lesson that day. And I praise Him for it. I can count on him in every detail of my life.
I don't know if that's any help, Travis, but your post made me remember this wonderful morning of my life!
I want to live my life so that every morning
when I wake up Satan says, "Oh, no! She's awake!
#7
Posted 04 October 2010 - 03:36 PM
I wouldn't make a major life desicion based on "casting lots". In my experience, better insight comes from searching the scriptures to see if they have anything specific to say on the issue, or if the Holy Spirit speaks more specifically to you through the Scriptures about the matter. Then I would also look for godly counsel from a pastor or other leader I trust. Finally I really like what RuthAnn wrote, that God spoke to her saying whatever she decided was His will for her because she is His. I think sometimes we stress over a decision, wanting to know exactly what God's will is, when he just wants us to commit the matter to him in prayer, do our homework (consulting Scripture and godly counsel) and then make a decision.
#8
Posted 05 October 2010 - 11:22 AM
#9
Posted 25 October 2010 - 06:05 PM
#10
Posted 26 October 2010 - 01:21 AM
As an update on this post, the lot was cast on Sept. 30. I appeciate very much everyone's input to this question. I can say a couple of things. The decision of the lot was not how I would have decided the question that night, or even now. That casting of the lot did however remove the doubts and the stresses that had been haning over the decision. I wish I could say that the next day saw a miracle in the circumstances that surrounded the decision, but it didn't. But each day since that night has brought about a clarity in this circumstance, and in many others as well. I will continue to move forward believing that God made this decision, and that this will work out according to His Will, Praise His Holy Name!!!
Travis, I'm glad you have made the decision. You have received good insight from many here. One thing I am coming to see is that often we don't hear or receive and answer because God's desire is for us to ask others and join in our struggle or decision. I think lots are legit (no one mentioned the thummim and urim). However I see in my own life a reluctance to share with others and gain their Godly wisdom and insight. If you have not I would encourage you to share your decision with a pastor or Godly couple you look up to.