If It is the Lord's Will

In one sense, everything is part of the Lord's will. After all, not one sparrow 'will fall to the ground apart from the will of [our] Father' (Matthew 10:29, NIV). In another sense, not everything is part of the Lord's will.

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

How do you decide whether or not to do something if both options are godly (or at least not ungodly)? Going mysteriously forward, is it wiser to "risk" not doing something which may be part of the Lord's will, or is it wiser to "risk" doing something which may not be part of the Lord's will?

When I'm faced with anguished choice
I will listen for Your voice
And I'll stand on every promise of Your Word

Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on every promise of Your Word

And You've promised to complete
Every work begun in me
So I'll stand on every promise of Your Word

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)