'Finding' God's Will is not always obvious. There are so many 'twists and turns' -- so many questions:
- Is God’s Will for my life predetermined in every detail?
- If I miss God’s Will (in whatever way it is or isn’t detailed) am I bound for the trash heap of life forever?
- What specific techniques are advisable in connecting with God’s sentiments, e.g. setting out a fleece, like Gideon (Judges 6:36–40); consulting a multitude of advisors (Proverbs 15:22); opening up scripture randomly to an ordained verse; staying in my prayer closet until an answer comes (Matthew 6:5–6)?
- Is God’s Will always the opposite of what I feel or want; e.g. does God withhold the assignment I truly desire, sending me, instead, to the very place I don’t desire, such as the proverbial isolated tribe in Africa?
Though there are no definitive answers to these and other questions, there are some clues to finding God's best for our lives.
Clue #1 - God’s Will Is, Largely, Not “Out There”
God is holy, but not foreign to our space.
Thus, the Apostle Paul refers to being ‘in Christ’ (or a similar sentiment), over 164 times. I can know the Lord, intimately, internalizing His perspective through the gift of God’s Spirit.
That insight changed my whole concept of God.
From early on, I frantically looked for some external entity to tell me what to do. I remember a crucial career decision that after much prayer, I instinctively knew was not right. But my mother insisted it was right; after all, she had prayed her heart out, too, and God had told her what I was to do. And so, as my mom and dad and I drove on the Skyline Drive, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, my mom kept drilling me with the correctness of her discernment.
Desperate for space, I asked to stop at an overlook, and there, I got out of the car. As I walked to the far end of the parking area, I just blurted out to God: if the job direction was meant to be, let the cloud formation before me part and suddenly reveal the sun. And indeed, the clouds parted, and the sun appeared, and I reckoned God had spoken.
But I was still unsettled and restless within my spirit. Nevertheless, I went with the direction my mother advised…and to a painful conclusion.
Desperate for space, I asked to stop at an overlook, and there, I got out of the car. As I walked to the far end of the parking area, I just blurted out to God: if the job direction was meant to be, let the cloud formation before me part and suddenly reveal the sun. And indeed, the clouds parted, and the sun appeared, and I reckoned God had spoken.
But I was still unsettled and restless within my spirit. Nevertheless, I went with the direction my mother advised…and to a painful conclusion.
For years I agonized: why did God lead me astray? And then I discovered a sobering teaching from M. Blaine Smith. Though God does speak through the external (i.e. signs and counselors), God most often speaks through the internal, the confirmation of our heart. Smith advised looking again at Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12–13:
"...Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, to both will and to work for his good pleasure.” Here God implies that God is working within us to create certain feelings. This is clear from Paul’s use of the word work, which in the Greek is energeio from which we get our word energy. When Paul says, ‘God is at work in you,” he means literally that God is energizing you in the direction of his will. God is motivating you, in other words. He is giving you the creative inspiration you need to make decisions which agree with his will. He is providentially forming in you, certain desires which will move you in the direction he wants you to go...”
It’s hard to relay the impact of those words; suffice to say, they convicted me: God did stir within me on the Skyline Drive, but I didn’t acknowledge Him.
Candidly, God’s voice felt too obvious and sane; surely some sensational element was required.
But biblically, God is centered and sound. Sure, God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). But such truth is not synonymous with God whip lashing life in directions that run counter to what we prayerfully sense to be right.
It’s important to note: God can be an outlier. There are times when God is a maddening mystery, defying logic. But in great measure, God follows a rational, spirited path, revealing that pattern as we surrender to Him.
Candidly, God’s voice felt too obvious and sane; surely some sensational element was required.
But biblically, God is centered and sound. Sure, God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). But such truth is not synonymous with God whip lashing life in directions that run counter to what we prayerfully sense to be right.
It’s important to note: God can be an outlier. There are times when God is a maddening mystery, defying logic. But in great measure, God follows a rational, spirited path, revealing that pattern as we surrender to Him.
Clue # 2 -- God’s Will Is Composed Of Both Macro And Micro Components
God’s desire is not a monolith, but a multi-faceted expression.
The macro components of God’s will are largely divine decrees, not inviting our involvement, best summarized in verses such as:
The macro components of God’s will are largely divine decrees, not inviting our involvement, best summarized in verses such as:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
“Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:5).
But the micro-components of God’s will are very much shaped by our involvement. In fact, God eagerly utilizes our choices, even mistakes, to craft a direction for life, congruent with His macro intent of hope and wonder.
So, though folks disagree over the precise predestination of our days (e.g. whether every micro outcome of life is predetermined by God), one thing is sure: God uses all the elements of our days (even the bad and ugly) to bring us to His predestined, macro intent.
So, though folks disagree over the precise predestination of our days (e.g. whether every micro outcome of life is predetermined by God), one thing is sure: God uses all the elements of our days (even the bad and ugly) to bring us to His predestined, macro intent.
In the tapestry of life, I envision each one of us in partnership with God around a loom. It’s clear: God owns the loom and the threads, exercising ultimate control over the creative process.
But God chooses to involve us in the process, not only grasping and passing the shuttle Himself but encouraging us to grasp and move the shuttle, as well. The whole enterprise results in high drama, as the Creator, involves the created in creating their own lives, not with the allusion of control, but as an expression of their response-ability, conforming to God’s original design.
But again, just because we grasp and pass the shuttle, there’s no guarantee that God uses our threads in the way we desire.
But without our involvement, God often chooses not to move and act. There’s a mystery to this divine dance but Scripture bears out the worn cliché: God seldom drives a parked car.
But without our involvement, God often chooses not to move and act. There’s a mystery to this divine dance but Scripture bears out the worn cliché: God seldom drives a parked car.
Our initiative -- though not determinative -- is nevertheless required.
This is apparent as Moses leads the Hebrews out of captivity in Egypt. God’s initiative is legendary in this narrative, but often overlooked is the required effort of Moses. As you’ll recall, the Egyptians are in fast pursuit of the Israelites “…marching after them…” (Exodus 14:10). Of course, the Hebrews “…were terrified and cried out to the LORD….” (Exodus 14:10). And Moses assures them: “…Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring to you today…” (Exodus 14:13). But...
This is apparent as Moses leads the Hebrews out of captivity in Egypt. God’s initiative is legendary in this narrative, but often overlooked is the required effort of Moses. As you’ll recall, the Egyptians are in fast pursuit of the Israelites “…marching after them…” (Exodus 14:10). Of course, the Hebrews “…were terrified and cried out to the LORD….” (Exodus 14:10). And Moses assures them: “…Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring to you today…” (Exodus 14:13). But...
“...then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground…” (Exodus 14:15–16, emphasis added).
I’ve sensed the Lord admonishing me: why are you crying out to me—do something, move!
For author and pastor Mark Batterson, comprehending this expectation of God is essential to moving with God through the seasons of life. For we do not move through life unless we trust God with life, even when God does not provide, in advance, all the answers. And so, on occasion, we need to move out in faith, before God makes His move.
For author and pastor Mark Batterson, comprehending this expectation of God is essential to moving with God through the seasons of life. For we do not move through life unless we trust God with life, even when God does not provide, in advance, all the answers. And so, on occasion, we need to move out in faith, before God makes His move.
“I don’t know about you,” [Mark writes] “but I want God to reveal the second step before I take the first step of faith. But I’ve discovered that if I don’t take the first step, God generally won’t reveal the next step. We’ve got to be obedient to the measure of revelation God has given us if we want more revelation before we obey more, but God wants more obedience before He reveals more…”
So back and forth the shuttle flies, between us and God, as life is crafted through a spirited symmetry, between our contribution and God’s, determined ultimately through God’s sovereign bearing.
Clue #3 -- God's Will -- Even If 'Missed' -- Doesn't Need To Result In A Life, Doomed, And Damned
Thank God, for God’s Sovereign bearing. For in spite of intimacy with God and partnership with God, we still miss God’s cues.
Some of our contributions easily conform to God’s macro intent of hope and wonder; God employs lots of creativity and variety in establishing the path toward His holy, abundant purpose.
But in some cases, our contributions are twisted, even sinful, characterized by wrong turns that must be corrected. But the Gospel assures us God will correct and redirect our paths as needed.
Some of our contributions easily conform to God’s macro intent of hope and wonder; God employs lots of creativity and variety in establishing the path toward His holy, abundant purpose.
But in some cases, our contributions are twisted, even sinful, characterized by wrong turns that must be corrected. But the Gospel assures us God will correct and redirect our paths as needed.
- Abraham was on the wrong road in Genesis 12, even though it was a familiar road (Genesis 12:1). But God got Abraham on the right road—the promise-land road—marked by milk, honey, and destiny (Genesis 12:4–9).
- The Prodigal Son was on the wrong road in Luke 15, even though it was a pleasurable road (Luke 15:11–13). But God got the Prodigal Son on the right road—the Father’s-house road—marked by forgiveness, grace, and homecoming (Luke 15:22–24).
- And Saul, better known as the Apostle Paul, was on the wrong road in Acts 8, even though it was a powerful road (Acts 8:1–3). But God got Saul on the right road—the Damascus road—marked by salvation, healing, and mission (Acts 9:1–18).
For part of my life, I didn’t grasp the grace of such Bible tales. I didn’t believe God could redirect my life after I screwed up. I believed if I didn’t choose God’s best, I was destined for second best. But as author and seminary president, Craig Barnes points out:
"...Such anxiety is hard on the soul. It leaves a pilgrim paralyzed, making it impossible to head for home, and that is clearly not God’s perfect will. Second-best theology is a heresy. What…[is truth] is that in Jesus Christ, God has already given us his very best…When you receive that gift and believe that in Christ you are the beloved of God, then you can boldly make choices. If they don’t work out well, then make different choices, because you now believe that God has already made his choice to bring you home on any of these paths…Why do children enjoy their choices more than adults? Because their world is filled with wonder. Ugly ducklings can turn into swans. A frog can turn into a prince. You don’t know, you’ll have to kiss it to find out. If their wonder ever turns into confusion, fear or hurt, they have only to climb up into a lap to be loved until the hurt is gone…"
Resolve to kiss some frogs as you venture into the next season of life, even if you get some warts!
For time doesn’t stand still, and neither can we. So move out, in tandem with God, convinced that even if you’re early or late, God has not abandoned you. C.S. Lewis shared this insight:
For time doesn’t stand still, and neither can we. So move out, in tandem with God, convinced that even if you’re early or late, God has not abandoned you. C.S. Lewis shared this insight:
“God [uses even] all the wrong roads to get us to the right places.”Good news for any of us, striving to find
“…Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6. The Amplified Bible)
One thing it took me awhile to learn is this: sometimes either direction is fine! I remember praying very hard about a trip decision...should I go here or there? Finally, I heard the Spirit say, it doesn't matter, do what you most feel like doing! Freedom!
ReplyDeleteCraig Barnes refers to this as God -- at times --shrugging his shoulders -- saying, in essence: "whatever!" -- I really don't have a preference..." Important observation!
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