04 December, 2017

A Call to Follow God's Will


I apologize for missing last week’s post. Thanks for still being here when my priorities get out of order. And to all you dear people who commented on the previous post: you’re heard, and you’re not alone. Let’s live unashamed.

 
 It’s interesting when something you share becomes increasingly relevant to your own life. A few weeks ago I wrote about knowing God’s will, and since then I’ve been wrestling – not so much with knowing what God’s will is for me, but how to live it out; what it looks like in practice.

I’ve been realizing God doesn’t align my circumstances so I automatically follow His will. It doesn’t mean I won’t have to give up anything – even good things. I feel for the past couple of years I’ve only followed God’s will for me in a certain area of life when it’s convenient. It’s when I have holidays from studying, exams are over, and I have time off work. I wait until then and say, ‘Hey God, I’m available!’ But He’s saying to me, ‘What are you doing?’ Why does following God only happen when it’s convenient?

Following God’s will isn’t going to make sense according to our culture’s standards sometimes. It might look like quitting a comfortable life and good job. It could seem counterproductive, totally radical, and even unnecessary. We may not understand why. 

It reminds me of the Bible story about the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked what to do to have eternal life. This guy was already doing good things. He was devoutly religious, he kept the commandments. Maybe he considered himself to be in God’s will, and simply wanted validation. But Jesus didn’t tell him to keep up the good work. He told Him to do something radical and unexpected. 

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Matt 19:21) 

Does that make sense? Does it seem like a financially wise thing to do? Maybe it seems noble, but most would’ve said it foolish and uncalled for. It would mean giving up a good, stable life to follow a Man who was ‘despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.’ (Is 53:3) It would mean rejection. People would’ve thought him insane. It didn’t make earthly sense, and the man chose not to take the advice.

But does God know what He’s doing? Am I willing to follow His leading if doesn’t add up in my mind or seems like a backwards move, like His advice to the rich young man? Living in God’s will isn’t a nice thing to say, a kind of spiritual lifestyle. It’s absolute surrender, being totally sold out. It’s scary; my self-sufficiency runs deep. But this isn’t servitude under a ruthless dictator we’re talking about. It’s the Creator of the universe being willing to take me on as a co-worker. All He’s waiting for is me to say yes.


Maybe you don’t relate; this isn’t your experience. But I desperately want to encourage you: if God’s calling you to do something, don’t wait until it’s convenient. Don’t wait until school’s finished, or you’re more qualified, or you have financial security. It will only get harder and harder. You’ll find more excuses. I’m talking from experience; putting off following God’s will is one of my biggest regrets. Please don’t make the same mistake. We only have now. 

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer that when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Rom 13:11-12) Behold now is the accepted time… (2Cor 6:2)

22 comments:

  1. NEEDED THIS TODAY. I truly did. I need to make a phone call today and your blog post was the little push.

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, that's awesome to see God's timing! :) I hope the call went well. Thanks for the comment! xx

      Delete
  2. Amen Jess. I can really relate and I second that from experience myself too!
    May our lives more closely resemble the will and way of God. Thanks for sharing x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - that's my desire too. It's such a blessing to be on this journey together! Thanks for your comment, friend. xx

      Delete
  3. Why does the word "surrender" sound so scary? =) Thank you for writing this, Jess. It's something I need to be reminded of - even when I don't always want to. =) He's so good, but I often forget that in the moment. Thank you for the encouragement. ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, I know. If we really comprehended His goodness and holiness, we wouldn't even question giving everything to Him. Maybe that's where I need to focus - pray for a greater revelation of Him. Thanks for your comment, Hosanna. Praise God this was an encouragement to you. xx

      Delete
  4. My family was talking once about why so many young people (youth groups and schools) seem to go on mission trips to Vanuatu; we wondered if it wouldn't be better for more mature Christians, with more experience and often a deeper understanding, to go. Then I thought about adults, how they get a job, settle down, and (to my impatient heart) seem to stagnate. And I thought that maybe the gap between childhood and settling down to adult responsibilities might be the best time for things that require passion.

    I know my parents are seeking after the Lord, and they touch many people's lives in both small and significant ways just by living their own lives, but I can't see that. I know it, but I can't feel it. I want to shine God's light, but I don't know how. I feel like I'm already stagnant and the world needs the light so much and I don't want to do nothing. But I can't see what paths to take, what goals to aim for. I can't seem to hear God calling. I think I need more time in prayer. And more trust - because the thought of just existing, not living, for the next 50+ years freezes me up in fear.

    ...wow. I didn't realise I'd react so strongly. Thank you for the post, Jessica! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm, yes. That seems to be how it goes, whether it's how it should be or not. I agree - we have most energy and enthusiasm when we're young, and the world's still new!

      Dude, I don't even know what to sat to your thoughts on stagnating, and having the desire to work for God but being unsure what that looks like for you - because that's me as well. It's like mixed in with the burden to share hope, there's fear that we'll fall short and be lost in purposelessness - existing, not living, as you said. It scares me too.

      I think you have the solution though. We can't go wrong with more prayer, and faith in His plan. A promise that's helped me is Isaiah 55:11. It says God can't speak and His word not be fulfilled: that also includes His promise to give us a purposeful future and hope, and a part to play in His mission of saving souls. Thanks for your thought-provoking and honest comment, Jem. Stay strong! xx

      Delete
  5. Wow. So true. I totally relate to this and it was so encouraging!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you could relate, and it was an encouragement! Praise God. Thanks for commenting! :)

      Delete
  6. This is so timely sis! Praise God :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen - all glory to Him! :) Thanks for your comment, Zipporah. It's lovely to hear from you!

      Delete
  7. Thanks for this Jessica, so true. It’s really hard to let go and trust God but we need to. Surrender is so important, we need to surrender and follow God’s will.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - hopefully I'm finally learning to surrender! The Christian life is such a journey. Thank you for your encouragement. :)

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Aw, I'm glad! Thanks for your comment - I'm off to check out your blog now! xx

      Delete
  9. Totally my thoughts friend. Start simple, start small, start now :) God 100% blesses when we just give Him our hearts.
    Although I agree with the challenge it is of knowing how life should play out :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that: simple, small, and now. :) Thanks for your encouragement. I so appreciate that we're on this journey of following God together. xx

      Delete
  10. Wow so much wisdon Jessica. Thank you so much for sharing such encouraging message :)

    Joanny
    imachocakeaholic.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Praise God! Thanks so much for your comment, Joanny. xx

      Delete

When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)