I want to be open to where God leads and what He might have for me. And I only want to be in the center of His will for me - I'm experiencing living out a situation that didn't have His seal of peace stamped upon it, and I don't like the results. I don't want to do that any more.
So, I'm not looking for anyone to tell me what to do, or give me suggestions...But, I'm curious: when you've been in this situation, seeking God for the "next step" in your life," what helped you? What did you do? What were some verses you cling-ed to ?
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| "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, |
Looking to Him who never fails,
Bailey
I'm not sure if what I'm about to say is necessarily what you're looking for, or if it will make sense, but when I was in the same spot a couple of years ago, the question that helped me the most was this one: "What do you want to do?" Might sound self-centered at first, but the context it was given was in a talk with one of my theology/philosophy profs who brought up a quote from Augustine: "Glorify God and do what you want." The idea is that so long as you're glorifying and honoring God, the options are there for your choosing... so go with the one your most passionate about and that you know would make the most room for you to make much of Christ.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's helpful for everyone, but when put like that to me, it helped me tremendously in picking my "next steps." And now, a couple years in, I can honestly say it's where I should be because I love it, but more importantly because it's where I can make the most of Christ to others. Calling I think is a marriage between your love for Christ and your passions/gifting/talents/whatever you want to call them. For the Christian, I don't believe there's a distinction between kingdom and non-kingdom work, you know? Kinda like that song by Steven Curtis Chapman about how it doesn't matter what your doing if your doing it all for God's glory.
Yeah... Just know I'm praying for you =)
Oh Natalie, thank you for taking the time to share your heart with me. It means a lot to me - seriously.
ReplyDeleteI think what you said is so true; and it does bring an amount of peace and rest to my soul. Also, it confirms some thoughts that I've had about my "calling," or what I'm supposed to pursue.
Thank you for praying for me - I appreciate the prayers, and the thoughtfulness behind them =)
You're a blessing to me =)
There is one verse my Dad shared with me some time ago which really helped me. I was in a smiliar situation... what now?! Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might". Also, whatever you do, do it as unto God and not as unto men. In this life there are so many things we can do, so many choices we can make. Some of them may not be according to His will, but even then, He can use it for His glory.
ReplyDeleteAs for knowing what His will is, listen. Wait. Pray. James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." I find that is one of the most difficult parts in following the Lord... having the faith to wait and learning to be patient for His answer, if it does come in the end. :) But living for Him and searching His will is always rewarding, and even though it might not be easy at the moment, it is ALWAYS worth it in the end.
Much love, dear Bailey! Big hug!