There comes a point in all our lives where we come to a crossroads. For many people when the time comes to make decisions between two jobs, paths, educational directions, or any other thing, people choose the one that will be more beneficial to them. This makes the most sense for us and for those that we may possibly provide for. While this may be abundantly true in the world, it isn't necessarily true for those who are seeking to follow God's leading for their lives. Sometimes God's leading sends us in the direction that we wouldn't necessarily consider to be the most financially beneficial... the most personally beneficial... or the most obvious.
Why do we do it? Because we seek to follow God and we know that He will, as He always has, provide for us in ways that are far above and beyond our understanding or comprehension. My life has been riddled with this conundrum in the last several weeks. I know that God has called me to seminary... that much I do know. I did not however know where God wanted me to be at as far as a teaching church/job would be as I enter into this seminary journey. Several options have been presented to me in months past, all of which I didn't necessarily feel called to. Lately however, this has changed... and I have been presented the opportunity that I think God has been preparing me for.
It is interesting though, all of the different things that get thought through when you're looking to make a decision like this. I sought a very clear direction from God... an undeniable sign if you will... so that I didn't need to make the decision for myself I guess. Is that right? I don't know that its wrong... but what happens when that doesn't happen?
My thoughts were riddled with verses like:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
James 4:13-15
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
I have also sought the advice of countless others, and had several conversations with my family and even more with my girlfriend... all in an effort to ascertain what it is that God wants me to do! I think though, apart from the logical answers... which I think God puts in place to make decisions easier for our Human minds, some of the best advice that we can receive is some of the easiest... and it came from a very dear friend...
"Sometimes," his parents told him, "in the absence of a clear calling or direction from God, the most reasonable choice is in fact the most reasonable choice... and if God doesn't want you to make that choice, He will make sure that it doesn't happen."
It seems so simple... and is so profound. A special thanks to Tim Hall for that...
God has things in His control... a control the spans time and space.
Matthew 6:25-34 says,
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
It is in light of these things, which I have come to understand as the clarity I was seeking, that I have decided it is time for a move... that God has indeed called me to Overisel Reformed Church... and that, though I am sad to leave South Blendon, I am excited to see what God has in store for the future... for me and for them! South Blendon has been a great place to branch out and to learn... and it will always hold a special place in my heart!
I would like to thank all of you who were praying for me during this time! I would also like to thank my family and especially my girlfriend (who chooses to remain anonymous at this time) for your prayer and patience with me throughout this decision making process... I know I have been trying lately...
God is good! All the Time!! Be excited for that which He has in store for you as well... whether you are set in your everyday schedule, or whether you are preparing for a big change in your life. Trust in His unfailing faithfulness... He will never leave you hanging... but walk with you and carry you every step of the way!
