“Yes—But . . . !”
61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but . . ." Luke 9:61 ESV
Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely. “Yes, but—supposing I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?” “Yes, I will obey God if He will let me use my common sense, but don’t ask me to take a step in the dark.” Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts Him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits. If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense. At the bar of common sense Jesus Christ’s statements may seem mad; but bring them to the bar of faith, and you begin to find with awe-struck spirit that they are the words of God. Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 108-109). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I agree with Chambers about the importance of obedience to God. If God speaks, then we should act. While I live a life far from 100% obedience to God, I am getting better each day and do recognize the necessity of obedience. Where I struggle is knowing with reasonable clarity what the will of God for my life is at times.
When Kristi and I were engaged in the Gathering Tree ministry, we had our doubts, misgivings, and second thoughts. Eventually our interest and passion waned and we found ourselves just going through the motions. What was God's will for us? More involvement? Separation from the ministry?
I have often wished God would text, Tweet, or email. Even if that were the case, I am sure there would be times I would fail to act, but at least the message would be clear. Prayer, meditation, godly counsel, Bible study are all ways we should use to discern the will of God, but even they there are times I am left with an internal ambiguity as to what choice to make or road to travel.
Should we err on the side of incorrect action or incorrect inaction?
How do you determine with clarity and certainty God's will for your life? Not big picture stuff- being a Chistian, going to church, loving others, etc., but those decisions about specific happenings in life. What ministy to support? When to retire? How allocate your finances?
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