As a Christian, you'd think that I would know when God speaks. I mean, I know the obvious stuff, who can't tell that? It's the more complex things that I struggle with. When I have several good options, but I want to choose the BEST. I know that any of the choices would be pleasing to God, but I want to make him absolutely delighted. I've been reading the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldgridge and I am beginning to understand my heavenly Father more and more. I also read a little of Erwin McManus' book Chasing Daylight where he spoke a lot about choices. Here's the conclusion I've come to after reading only a small portion of each of these books.
1) My heavenly Father loves me immensely. I'm not saying that I didn't know this before these books, but because of the strained relationship that I have with my earthly father, I often forget that God sees me is as His child. Not just some ordinary person. Wow! That still amazes me. The same way I'd die for my kids, is exactly how He felt when Christ died for me. I forget that so quickly.
2) I think that God will be delighted in my choice if the process I take to make the choice strengthens my relationship with Him. For example, if I spend more time in prayer, more time in scripture and more time seeking Godly council, all the while focusing on Him (even when I'm going about my daily grind), then he takes delight in the process. Yes, DELIGHT.
Isn't that what we all ultimately want? Someone to say, "Wow, you're amazing. I DELIGHT in YOU!" I know that's what I want. To think that my heavenly Father is saying that about lil 'ol me, just takes my breath away.
So now back to choices and when to move. The point that I have discovered for me is that I must simply pray, read, discuss and MOVE! Just do something! Just make a stinkin' decision and go for it! If it is obviously of God, would make Him happy, doesn't contradict scripture and is for His joy and glory then for pete's sake...GO.
So now, I move. If I step in the wrong direction, I'm sure He'll correct me. The only fear I have is how fast I'm gonna get there....because sometimes the choices are sacrifices, that bring joy along with pain. More on that later.
1) My heavenly Father loves me immensely. I'm not saying that I didn't know this before these books, but because of the strained relationship that I have with my earthly father, I often forget that God sees me is as His child. Not just some ordinary person. Wow! That still amazes me. The same way I'd die for my kids, is exactly how He felt when Christ died for me. I forget that so quickly.
2) I think that God will be delighted in my choice if the process I take to make the choice strengthens my relationship with Him. For example, if I spend more time in prayer, more time in scripture and more time seeking Godly council, all the while focusing on Him (even when I'm going about my daily grind), then he takes delight in the process. Yes, DELIGHT.
Isn't that what we all ultimately want? Someone to say, "Wow, you're amazing. I DELIGHT in YOU!" I know that's what I want. To think that my heavenly Father is saying that about lil 'ol me, just takes my breath away.
So now back to choices and when to move. The point that I have discovered for me is that I must simply pray, read, discuss and MOVE! Just do something! Just make a stinkin' decision and go for it! If it is obviously of God, would make Him happy, doesn't contradict scripture and is for His joy and glory then for pete's sake...GO.
So now, I move. If I step in the wrong direction, I'm sure He'll correct me. The only fear I have is how fast I'm gonna get there....because sometimes the choices are sacrifices, that bring joy along with pain. More on that later.