Measures to Avoid
Chance (Casting Lots)
In Old Testament times, believers sometimes sought the guidance of God by casting lots (Leviticus 16:7-10). Casting lots was somewhat like flipping a coin or drawing straws today. There is one reference in the New Testament to casting lots (Acts 1:26). Casting of lots was not used after the Holy Spirit indwelled all believers. God wants us to follow him, not to follow chance.
Seeking a Sign (Laying Out a Fleece)
There is one instance in the Old Testament in which a man asked God to reveal his will by use of a sign. Gideon used a “fleece” to confirm what an angel had already revealed to him (Judges 6:36-40). He placed a wool fleece on the ground and asked God to let there be dew on the fleece and that the ground around the fleece be dry. Then he asked God to let the fleece be dry and the ground around the fleece be wet. If these things occurred, Gideon would know that God was calling him to follow the directions of the angel. God permitted this sign, but Scripture later teaches against asking for signs. Jesus said that it is evil to seek after signs. See Matthew 12:39. God indeed gives us signs to bring us to faith, but we are not to ask for them. See Acts 2:22.
The Occult
Satan can give signs to mislead people. See 2 Thessalonians 2:9. He wants people to worship him and follow him. He utilizes various means of deceiving people through the occult. Occult practices include such things as astrology, fortune-telling, horoscopes, palm-reading, sorcery (magic), witchcraft, and Satan worship. The Bible warns against occult practices. See Deuteronomy 18:10-14. Practicing the occult is following Satan.