Many Christians grapple with understanding God’s will, sometimes resorting to methods like casting lots or “fleeces”. However, these practices can be misleading and even harmful. The Bible doesn’t endorse casting lots for everyday decisions. Old Testament use was restricted to priests and sacred objects like the Urim and Thummim. Choosing Judas’s replacement in Acts was a unique, Spirit-led event, not a command for us.
Seeking direct revelation through such methods tempts God. While He provided supernatural revelation in Scripture, it’s now complete. We don’t receive the same direct revelation as biblical figures. Instead, we should base decisions on Scripture’s teachings, which offer wisdom for life’s choices.
Prioritising feelings over biblical principles leads to confusion. A humorous story about a curate waiting for guidance to shave highlights this. His bishop wisely advised daily shaving as a matter of principle, not needing divine intervention for trivial matters.
Casting lots or seeking signs can be spiritual laziness, swapping reliance on God’s Word for mystical experiences. This fosters superstition and distorts understanding God’s will. Focus on studying Scripture, praying for wisdom, and seeking counsel from mature Christians.
True discernment stems from understanding biblical truth and submitting to God’s will revealed in His Word. Avoid practices resembling magic, relying on Scripture’s foundation. Focus on living by God’s revealed will, not seeking extraordinary signs. Mature Christian life is defined by obedience and trust in God’s providence, not shortcuts to divine guidance.