I'll admit it. I'm guilty of sometimes asking for a sign when I'm praying about something particularly difficult.
Who do I think I am? Moses?
Not that God can't use signs with me. Goodness. He can if He wants. But am I wrong to ask for them? To sometimes expect them? To test my God (Deuteronomy 6:16)?
Shouldn't it be enough that when I'm honest with myself I know how a Christian should live, the choices a Christian should make? Shouldn't it be enough that, thanks to the Bible, I know what's important to God and therefore know the things that would please Him?
Sometimes we just need to get off our duffers and take that first step of faith. Go in the direction we know would be pleasing to God and trust that He will be with us each consecutive step.
But, oh, it can be hard. It can make my heart race and cause those tension muscles in my shoulders and neck to seize up and throb. It can make me lay awake at night and scrutinize every comment, every interaction with others, wondering if I did the right thing.
A sign would be easier but maybe He's trusting us to take the path on our own. To pray and ask for clarity, to invite Him along and then take one (sometimes even small) step in the direction we know is right. Even when it's scary. Even when it may cause us difficulty.
Our lives are short. Are we living them adventurously for Christ? Or are we playing it safe and waiting for that sign?
While I'm all for adventure, I can say with certainty that I'm glad I'm not Moses. Goodness. That man deserved himself some signs.
So, let's begin this year of 2012 with courage and faith and chose to step out. We might miss the wonderful things He has planned for us if we don't.
(This faith-based pep talk is as much {or more} for me as it is for you.)
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
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I'm not sure how I even came across your blog, but I'm glad I did! I've enjoyed reading it- it has been a blessing to me!
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'm your 501st follower! Wow- lol!
Ask for adventurous.I am not so sure I don't have enough, or maybe what I have is not adventure but to much excitement and stimulation,enough to stop a human heart,if what they say is true,scared to death---ha,ha,ha [ but we both know its not funny ] OK,I'll go with more adventure and a sign of clarity.Maybe I did have a few Moses moments in my lifetime
ReplyDeleteSuch a good message- and aptly timed. I rely heavily on Proverbs 3:5-6. It says God will make your path straight not that he will send you a glaring message telling you what to do. When I'm struggling with a decision I try to make sure my first steps are acknowledging God in all my speech and actions and seeking God in prayer. Then sometimes I just have to move!
ReplyDeleteIf you're breathing, that's the first sign.
ReplyDeleteOh, I was just talking with my husband about this. How sometimes we just have to go with our heart - with what God wants us to do - even if it doesn't seem to make any sense - even if it is beyond or means financially, etc... He will provide. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDo it. If you don't you might regret it.
ReplyDeleteI ask myself what can she be contemplating now. :) but that's not the point. It's that you're asking. Thankyou for your inspiritational spirit that just keeps looking for the good. ~ And I hear ya on the signs. I don't look for them, but sometimes I wish, and then I think similar thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane. :)
p.s. regarding the stepping out part, I have a particular think right now that usually comes with varying degrees of obstacles. I want to see these obstacles as signs I *shouldn't* continue. I think my glasses need adjusting. Moses tried to use these obstacles to prove he couldn't either. (Doesn't parenting seem like a 'Moses' style job sometimes, complaining, grumbling followers all around).
p.s.s. I'm not contemplating 'stopping' parenting, unrelated particular thing on our slate. Just came to mind. Love that Moses. What a man. Who pointed to God.
Have a super day-
God at one time had to use signs and wonders to communicate with people but praise the Lord we have His completed word that tells us EVERYTHING He wants us to know. Why whould we have to ask for a sign?
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