One of the most difficult things that we as Christians have to do is discern whether or not something is God's will. My family is in the middle of deciding if we should go ahead with something that could make a huge difference for the better in my life for many, many years. However, as with any big decision that must be made, there are a few drawbacks, one being time. Of course, my human understanding and view of the future causes me to say, "I know this is the right thing to do so we should go ahead with it as soon as possible." But I do not have the view of my life that God does. I cannot possibly know what He has planned; all I know is that He has the very best plan for me. This is why it is so important to know how to discern God's will for our lives. I heard someone say once," How often do we pray, 'Thy will be done' when what we really mean is, 'I'm gonna do my will and hope it lines up with Yours.'" That stuck with me and it's changed my mindset when I pray for His will to be done. Instead of, "God, I know this is good for me and it's something I want so please let this happen," I now do my best to say, "God, I know You can see the big picture of my life and know exactly what is the best plan for me, so please carry out that plan and help me to be flexible and willing to go along with it, no matter what it may be." We don't even know what's going to happen in the next few hours, let alone ten or twenty years from now. Sure, we can have visions and plans and goals, but we don't have absolute certainty that those things will happen. The great news for us is that God does. The One who loves us more than we can ever comprehend in our finite minds. He is the One who plans our future, which we should rejoice over because whatever He does will be the best thing for us, no question. And that alone is reason to praise Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
I was on the way home from CYT tonight (something that will be talked about in many, many of my posts!) and just thinking about everything that's happened in these past few months in my spiritual life, and what a roller coaster it has been. God has changed my heart completely, and I know that I won't be the same. No, it has not been easy. It will never be, with God. In fact, James 1:2-3 tells us, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." (NASB). This reminder has never been more true than lately, because I have had to work like never before to keep hold of my faith, the very thing that has kept me afloat for my entire life. But I have never been alone. God promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. When one trains for a race, he trains in the way that will build up his body to give him the best chance of winning. Very rarely does he do this completely alone, however. He has by his side trainers and fellow athletes cheering him on, giving him advice, encouraging him and running the race with him. God is just like this. We are constantly in training for the most grueling event we will ever take part in: showing His light to others. But we are never running alone. He is beside us every step, challenging us to go farther, run harder, and, most importantly, to lean on Him when we are at our weakest and allow Him to carry us along whatever route He may choose. At some point He will put our feet back on the ground and let us run a little more on our own two feet, but God will always be both one step ahead and one step behind us, to lead the way and to catch us if we stumble. In both of these we need to fully trust that He knows the path and will catch us safely in His loving arms. He will never, ever leave us nor forsake us.
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