Saying Yes No Matter What

"Men make plans in their hearts, but God orders their steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Knowing and doing the will of God for your life can be complicated but then not. It can seem to be just out of reach or it may be of no interest to you at all. Being saved is good enough. You are on the "team" and it does not matter one way or the other if the "Coach" ever sends you in.  

I was talking to a young man the other morning who is just beginning his journey with God. God has called him out of the pack - so to speak. The Coach has called him to the sideline and is sending him in. What I mean by that is that he has been anointed to go and do more than most Christians do. In fact most Christians would shrink at the thought of  going and doing what the Lord is telling him to do. God will always as you to do more than you are capable of on your own. You will always need Him to do it. The young man is trying to sort out what specifically where the Lord is leading him. Some have told him that it does not matter what he chooses between two good things, but he is not satisfied with "it doesn't matter." He is convinced, and I agree, that God has a specific plan and purpose for his life.

There are many books written about the will of God. There is  the idea that there is a permissive will. Room to wander, if you will. It doesn't matter what you do so long as it is good and within the bounds of God's general intent for His children. I don't think that is God's first choice for us. God sent Jesus for a specific purpose. He didn't say - "Go live among men and see what you can work out." 

We talked about hearing God's voice and understanding His will - specific will - for our lives. I think the reason most of us hesitate in saying "yes" is because we want to know everything before we take the first step. I have never found that God lays His entire plan out plainly so I can decide if I like what is going or not going to happen. He just says "Go" and I have heard Him say it. Obeying God's voice requires me exercising faith. Exercised faith is all about obedience in spite of the uncertainty.

There is a term, "progressive revelation", that suggest that God reveals truth progressively. That has been our experience. He casts just enough light on the path for the next step. I told my friend that I could not tell him what choice to make. But told him that he needed to factor in the counsel of other Christians, circumstances that present themselves, and the  time he spends in conversation with God - through prayer and the Word of God. That is where the Spirit of God comes in - synthesizing those four sources into an understanding of the next step.

"And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” - Mark 9:21-24

Have you failed spiritually if you don't sell all you have and go live in a hut in some strange land? Probably not - unless it is God who has sent you there and you refused to go. People have kind words for the work Martie and I do - marvel at some of the things we have done - but the truth is - all we can take credit for is saying "yes" to God and then walking in obedience to His leading. Everything else is Him. Feigned humility? No! It is an understanding and acceptance that He is the potter and we are the clay.

Listen, your missionary journey may not go any further than the end of your driveway. That does not make you less than someone who hacks their way through the bush to share Jesus with someone who lives there and has never heard the name of Jesus. So long as you are doing what God has said do - there is no spiritual difference. This new life is all about faith and obedience - no matter where that leads.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone