Friday, April 20, 2018

Waiting on the Lord, or becoming stagnant?

I've noticed a trend when Christians are waiting on an answer from the Lord.  Christians (me included) always want an immediate answer from the Lord, whether yes or no, so we can move forward in whatever we think is the next step.  A lot of times, claiming to be waiting on the Lord isn't always resting in His sovereignty, but rather stalling ourselves from moving forward and, as a result, facilitating a season of stagnation.


1. Do what you want to.

One of the major inner conflicts Christians face when trying to discern God’s will is knowing the difference between God’s voice and their own desires.

Was that me or God?”

This is not only frustrating; it’s actually the wrong question. God sometimes leads us through our own desires and He’s the one who has placed those desires inside of us.  So if there is something you're interested in and want to do, go do it.

Make a decision, take a risk, chase a dream.....yes, I said it, chase a dream.  Keeping in mind, of course, God's sovereignty and God's commands. 

You don’t necessarily need God’s permission to go to a farewell party, where others would be drinking, for a good friend or go on a vacation trip that you've always wanted to go on; you already have it. (permission, that is) He designed you and gave you the desires you have for a reason. Go explore them and find out what that reason is (Maybe it's just a time of enjoyment, maybe there's a bigger opportunity the Lord has planned), but grow in the Lord in that endeavor.....and seek opportunities to be a witness for Christ in where ever you go.


2. Do what you have to.

The question really shouldn’t be, “What do you want to do with your life?” It should be, “What do you have to do with your life?”  With the life God has given you.

At the same time, what are you so passionate about or have always wanted to do that you feel you need to do?  What has grabbed your heart and wont let go? Go do that.

You never know the opportunities God has for you, in whatever circumstances you choose to create.

3. Do what magnifies God.


To magnify is to make something look bigger. Another way to say it is, do what makes much of God. Or to say it Biblically, “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God,” (I Cor. 10:31).

This can be just about anything.

You can magnify God as a plumber, an accountant or an actor on Broadway. You can magnify God by going to the local college, to Harvard, or even by not going at all. And you can magnify God, not by trying to find the most perfect, God-ordained spouse, but by being faithful to whoever you choose and are allowed to marry.

Magnifying God is only sourced from having a humble heart of worship, and you can do that with just about any life decision you make.


4. Do what’s in front of you.

This might be the most important one.

Many people believe they have a big calling, but they don’t want to do the hard work to get there and so, it's never pursued. Instead, they wait for God to drop a big opportunity into their laps, but following God's lead doesn’t mean you get to take a shortcut to where you think your calling might be.

You might want to be a CEO, or a successful artist, or a pastor. Those are all great desires, but none of those opportunities will just fall into your lap. They take time, experience and hard work, even if they are the Lord's will.

Our focus, though, should be doing the best at what's in front of us.  For the most part, that’s what you can have immediate say in and you won't become stagnant.

You can’t make someone hire you as a CEO, but you can work hard to earn a management position, and you can seek wisdom from other business owners you know. You can’t make someone pay you for your art, but you can start working on your art form or get to know others in that art form. You can’t make a church hire you as their pastor, but you can disciple the people around you and ask your pastor to mentor you.


Becoming stagnant is never a good idea for any Christian and following the Lord's will is always best, however it's not always easy to discern.  Thankfully, God leads his children in His plan for them, regardless of their choices. Yes, because of poor choices, God's plan for his children can be delayed, but with a studious heart to His word, constant prayer, and Biblically practical habits, that "dream" can turn into Godly opportunities for God's plan. Dreams may be out of reach, that’s why they’re called dreams, but the next step is not. It’s right in front of you.

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