As I said in yesterday’s post (and so eloquently put by Ryan in his comments), one of the hardest things to do is to give up control, or at least the semblance of it. This is especially true when a decision needs to be made and one has several options.
Back in the early 80s, I found myself in a situation like that. I had been pastoring a church that just about killed my spirit. It was very legalistic, i.e. “We are right; you are wrong; and we will argue about it.” I didn’t know that at first, plus I was desparate to find a church since I’d been asked to leave from the previous church by the Sr. Pastor. To make matters tougher, money was very tight and I went through some burn-out.
Anyway, I interviewed at one church and scheduled a time to preach. In the meantime, another church asked for an interview which I had. The conundrum was the second church was more inviting to me but I had no promises with them. Church #1 has already had me come to preach and asked me to come. (I had scheduled the interview before the “trial” sermon). What should I do?
I asked a friend. His words were wise: “Bill, there is no right or wrong. Take church #1. You already know their decision. You can’t make a wrong decision in this because God will be with you no matter what you choose. He will not abandon you.”
He was right. While the 3 years there were good ones, learning ones, and ended dubiously, the other church never called me back. In fact, several months later-six maybe-a young couple from that church reached out to me and found out what happened. They not only profusely apologized but sent some expense money (out of their own pocket).
My issue was control. I was unsure at the fork in the road and needed to make a decision. I wanted it to be THE. RIGHT. ONE. At least in my mind. I reached out to my friend because I wanted him to tell me what only God could. In a way, he did.
He told me to “Trust God.” He doesn’t make mistakes. And even though I may choose the one that gives me a rockier road, He will not abandon me.
I think you hit the nail on the head. “Seeking His desire does not give a wrong choice.” I believe there will be times where God will intentionally shut doors.
I believe more often than not, God will allow us to make the choice. God always has the power make His plans work. After all, He created everything out of nothing. I think it is wise to seek God’s will, to seek direction, to seek counsel… The bottom line is that we cannot see what tomorrow will bring and only God can. We need to trust that regardless of our decision, and as long as our heart is in alignment with God’s (or as close as we can be), then God will take care of the rest. That doesn’t mean the road will not be rocky. It doesn’t mean we will not have bumps and bruises, scrapes and scars, or failures… What it does mean is that even through all that, God can still teach us and use it for our growth and good.
What you are stating Ryan is basically what Doug was saying. There is no wrong choice and whichever one I choose, if I am choosing it to follow Him, He will not abandon me. As you say, there may be bumps and bruises along the way, but never abandonment. Thanks again for your input.
Amen, Bill! When we fully trust in God, there can be no wrong choice when we come to those forks in the road.
Blessings!
That is exactly my point Martha. Hope you are doing well.
I will agree… when it comes to preaching the Gospel, there is absolutely no wrong choice. Your/His words will either be heard, or they won’t.. but at least they have been spoken.
That is correct Ed. We speak; He convicts.
I think in yesterdays and todays message both that if I am honest, it comes back to pride that sometimes does not allow me to pause and wait for God’s direction or allow me to place complete trust that God will move me where He wants me. I want to trust in God with all my heart and revere Him in every way, it’s my own weakness that always get in my way. I always know that God is the King of Kings, and His ways are perfect, I do not doubt that. Some of my decisions do not reflect that. When I ask God to help me with full trust, to kick my pride and impatience to the curb, I find His path stands out among all of the other paths, even when I feel that another path is the way I want to go. As things unfold, I often find myself, completely humbled, and wondering why I ever struggle to get out of my own way and to leave it all in Gods hands every time. The verse Isaiah 42:8 stands out even more, why would I ever ask who God is, He is Lord, that is His name, no one else should be glorified or trusted like Him. Father, please continue to mold me, to teach me, to humble me, and remind me to lift Your Name above all names.
I think you speak for all of us Gail. You said a lot that speaks truth.