I have been thinking alot about the way God communicates with us. I am a "give me a sign type of girl". But the more I get to know the Lord the more I am convinced that He rarely uses this method of communication. Do not get me wrong. I know He can make things happen or allow things to happen to change our direction. I mean He is GOD. I am challenging the fact that before relying on the signs, we rely more on prayer and meditation. Andy Stanley says that "when prayer and passion line up it is extremely difficult to exercise restraint". This qoute stoppped me in my tracks. When X, Y and Z all fall into place that is when we are spose to follow...correct? That is always the path meant for us. Why else would they line up if it not be God's will? I have always asked the Lord to show me what He wants me to do. Open a window or close a door. This has always been how I operate. So now when presented with this deeper and more cautious way of finding God's will I admit I feel a little lost. I would LOVE to say I am a look first person, but I tend to weight in heavier on the side of jump in and then assess your surroundings. My desire to follow what God wants for me is extremely strong. I am a emotional person, but feel it is time to start exercising discernent rather than being swayedby the emotional climate of the situation. To be the most effective for the Lord we need to be most prepared for when He calls. We need to have a relationship so close to our Creator that we dont need to question His authority or put parameters on His will.
So thought provoking question of the day.....How do you find Gods will? Do you jump in before testing the waters or do you excerise caution? How does He communicate with you? Where do you see His "writing on the wall"?
God gives me teeny tiny gentle reminders when He communicates with me. If I ignore them or don't see them, He makes them gradually bigger and bigger until I do. Sounds funny to write, and I definitely don't have God figured out or anything, but it seems to be how He works a lot with me.
ReplyDeleteLet's just say when my laptop blew up a last week, it got my attention... :(
As far as finding God's will? It's something Josh and I have talked about constantly since we got married. The move to Atlanta, then SC, then here-- sometimes God opens a door or closes one, but sometimes, it's like He says, "Pick whichever one YOU want... " Sometimes there are two good paths, and it's hard to tell if one is right and the other is wrong, or if they're both right... but we sure prayed a lot, and I think we ended up exactly where we're supposed to be!
Good post!