If you are anything like me, you probably find comfort in knowing what lies ahead. I tend to be so much of a planner that I will have a daily to-do list and agenda as well as one for the upcoming week and month. I like to know what's coming up so that I can plan my schedule accordingly. This works well for me sometimes, but certainly not always. I always thought I was a patient person; but when my schedule falls apart, my plans change, or I don't complete all the tasks I want to, I can easily become frustrated and disappointed.
For so long, it didn't occur to me to ask myself whether or not my plans for myself were aligned with God's plans for me. I've been reminded over the past few months that when my plans fall through, God has something else in mind for me. Who am I to cling so tightly to my "future" when I am not even guaranteed another day on earth?
James 4:13-15: "Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"
It's difficult sometimes to give up our own will and follow God's will for us. But sometimes what's even harder is finding what God's will for us actually is. I think the answer is much more simple than we may think. We are always looking for answers, but God has already communicated much of His will for us through His Word. For example.. In Matthew 22: 37-39, Jesus says: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself."
I believe God gives us free will to make our own decisions; His will for us is simply to glorify Him in whatever we do; to love Him, love others, and abide by His Word. I heard a pastor say once that "when your energy is spent knowing God, it's impossible to miss His will." It was so encouraging to think that the more we know God and obey Him, the more He will reveal to us. It's simple! What's not so simple is when we realize that our current way of life is not in line with God's will for us. We might have to give up a lot - relationships, jobs, habits - or anything else that might be keeping us from living as we are called to. To figure out if we are following God's will for us, we can simply ask ourselves "Am I glorifying God with what I am doing?"
It's cool how you say this, because I finally told my mom about the trouble I was in last year (the night of hershey park actually) and the entire drive home I was crying my eyes out in the car freaking out not knowing what to do..then I'm pretty sure God was talking to me because out of no where I felt this feeling like "what does it matter what your mom thinks? the only thing in this world that matters is what I think. and though she might get mad at you, take comfort in me because I can get you through anything"...it was completely God's will for me to confess to her what I had done, and I almost went differently and lied to her..but it was really cool how God has interfered in that for me. My mom said I love you and it doesn't matter, instead of being angry and hurtful! This post of yours is so true Anja, it's going to be hard to give up these earthly things to go and follow what God wants, but in the end his gifts are greater than anything we could imagine.
ReplyDeleteCindy! Thank you!! I am soo happy to hear that. I can imagine it feels so good to get it off your chest and the fact that she was completely understanding is so awesome! It takes so much courage to listen to God's little nudges sometimes.. but if anyone is courageous, it's you! And you are so right about that last sentence.. God's gifts are far better than anything on this earth. :) So happy for you girl, hope to see you again very soon!
ReplyDeleteYou are glorifying Him. Great choice in topic!
ReplyDelete