The following is an AI Generated Summary from what John Eldridge and Wild at Heart Ministries Teaches.
John Eldredge, through Wild at Heart, emphasizes a deeply personal and conversational relationship with Jesus, particularly when it comes to making big decisions. His perspective centers around a few key themes:
1. Inviting Jesus into the Decision
Eldredge encourages actually asking Jesus what He thinks about a decision, rather than just assuming or relying on logic alone. He teaches that Jesus wants to speak and that we should listen with an open heart. This often means slowing down and making space for quiet reflection and prayer.
2. Listening for God’s Guidance
Rather than expecting an audible voice, Eldredge suggests that God often speaks through:
- A deep inner knowing (a sense of peace or unrest)
- Scripture that comes alive
- Circumstances that confirm or redirect
- A consistent theme in prayer
He warns against relying only on emotions or human wisdom and instead encourages a posture of waiting on God’s direction.
3. Testing the Direction
Eldredge highlights the importance of discernment—not every idea that comes to mind is from God. He encourages:
- Asking, “Jesus, is this from You?”
- Checking whether the decision aligns with God’s character and Scripture
- Paying attention to whether the path is opening or closing naturally
4. The Role of Resistance and Closed Doors
Sometimes, if a decision isn’t from God, Eldredge believes He will block it—not in a forceful, punishing way, but as an act of love and protection. Eldredge teaches that closed doors can be a sign of God’s mercy, keeping us from going in the wrong direction.
5. Walking in Faith
Even after seeking God’s will, Eldredge acknowledges that sometimes we won’t get a clear answer. In those moments, he suggests:
- Making the best decision you can in faith
- Trusting that God will redirect if needed
- Moving forward with confidence in God’s ability to course-correct