Is it the will of God?- Part 2
OK, let's be honest.
There are happenings in our life story when a finer, more precise decision is needed. There are moments, if you may, when a deliberate movement of the hand will produce a purposeful, detailed line on the painted canvas. (continuing with our painting analogy from part one)
When a painter reaches for a specific fine-tipped angled brush, preparing to manipulate the paint atop the background, he has a purpose in mind. In this same vein, God is precise about certain aspects of our lives. There are areas that are intended to bring distinctions to, and/or be distinctive from, other areas. There are, for example, dark contrasting shadows that make the colors around them vibrant. When dark moments seem to enter our life canvas, remember that it's purpose is to embolden the bright times.
Those less clearer points are the moments when we must follow the examples set forth in the word:
When situations arise, however, that are out of the normal routine and/or cause you to hesitate and think twice, seek the Lord. Life-altering decisions? They should be taken to the Lord in prayer and even fasting.
In the example above God's servants did not need to know if they were to preach the gospel. They were given that command in Matt 28 and in Acts 1. They did not need to ask God if they were to evangelize. In the same manner there are somethings we should just know to do as children of God. We do not need to "seek the Lord" on these matters. And just like the disciples and the apostles in many instances, their path was guided by mere turn of events. There were places they ended up being, simply out of sheer cause and effect. One particular moment met them at a place calling for intentional action and decision. Now, what they needed was clarity on where next to go and in what manner they were to minister. They moved only at the direction of the Holy Spirit. They were able to hear the Spirit's instruction because they prayed and cleared away the distraction of the world and humbled their flesh through fasting. Then they heard clear direction from the Lord.
The conclusion of the matter is this- be anxious for nothing.
Seek the Lord's guidance and trust your life to flow in his Will for the everyday.
And for those moments where the chain of events have seemingly ceased to flow- seek the Lord with intent, with prayer, and fasting. The spirit will instruct you.
Walk on child of God- and marvel at the masterpiece the master painter is creating with your life story.
Walk on and rest in the safety of his infinite wisdom, and his masterful plan.
*Image from web
There are happenings in our life story when a finer, more precise decision is needed. There are moments, if you may, when a deliberate movement of the hand will produce a purposeful, detailed line on the painted canvas. (continuing with our painting analogy from part one)
 |
| thinner brush for details and precise lines* |
When a painter reaches for a specific fine-tipped angled brush, preparing to manipulate the paint atop the background, he has a purpose in mind. In this same vein, God is precise about certain aspects of our lives. There are areas that are intended to bring distinctions to, and/or be distinctive from, other areas. There are, for example, dark contrasting shadows that make the colors around them vibrant. When dark moments seem to enter our life canvas, remember that it's purpose is to embolden the bright times.
Those less clearer points are the moments when we must follow the examples set forth in the word:
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying the Lord should only be sought in times of great indecision. Daily the face of the Lord should be sought and the requests for God to order your steps should be made. Once you have placed the day and it's events in the Father's hands, trust that your actions from that point, in that day, are in the will of God.2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.- Acts 13:2-4
When situations arise, however, that are out of the normal routine and/or cause you to hesitate and think twice, seek the Lord. Life-altering decisions? They should be taken to the Lord in prayer and even fasting.
In the example above God's servants did not need to know if they were to preach the gospel. They were given that command in Matt 28 and in Acts 1. They did not need to ask God if they were to evangelize. In the same manner there are somethings we should just know to do as children of God. We do not need to "seek the Lord" on these matters. And just like the disciples and the apostles in many instances, their path was guided by mere turn of events. There were places they ended up being, simply out of sheer cause and effect. One particular moment met them at a place calling for intentional action and decision. Now, what they needed was clarity on where next to go and in what manner they were to minister. They moved only at the direction of the Holy Spirit. They were able to hear the Spirit's instruction because they prayed and cleared away the distraction of the world and humbled their flesh through fasting. Then they heard clear direction from the Lord.
The conclusion of the matter is this- be anxious for nothing.
Seek the Lord's guidance and trust your life to flow in his Will for the everyday.
And for those moments where the chain of events have seemingly ceased to flow- seek the Lord with intent, with prayer, and fasting. The spirit will instruct you.
Walk on child of God- and marvel at the masterpiece the master painter is creating with your life story.
Walk on and rest in the safety of his infinite wisdom, and his masterful plan.
*Image from web
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