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When Things Get Confusing
God’s will is perfect and always good; however, if we’re honest, it can be quite baffling. Some are experiencing something perplexing. Others have already gone through it, and some will eventually experience it as well. That is, they have been faithful in executing something of which the Lord has called them for some time, but now something feels off. In fact, it feels as if there’s some sort of resistance.
Here’s something to consider in relation to God’s will: some things He calls us to do have a shelf life. They are not intended to be perpetual. Meaning, they have an end date.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
One thing that can be rather helpful is asking God about the season you’re in, or about to enter, then sit back and listen to what He has to say about it.
His Word and Will
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Faith requires the Word of God. Without hearing His Word, there is no faith. Faith is active, and requires a relationship with God. Think about what Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus did what He saw the Father do, and said what He heard Him speak.
To simplify things: whenever His Word comes, know there will be more to come. We have to stay tuned for further directions, so to speak. We have to be open to change. So yes, keep doing what He has given you to do, until He says otherwise. He may add variables or changes to your mission, or He may say, “Mission complete.”
Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.
A major key to all of this is entering into His rest. It might be tempting to start looking for another mission when one has been fulfilled, especially if you’re used to being busy. Nonetheless, it’s best to wait on Him. God, may have you sit out for a while, because you need the rest. Rest is an act of faith when He’s telling you to be still. It may appear inactive, but it’s not. Communion with Him is never passive. Beware of confusing presumption with faith.
Don’t Give the Devil Too Much Credit
Remember that resistance thing? How often have you heard someone say, “the devil is attacking me?” Don’t assume all resistance is demonic. If you’re in the palm of God’s hand, what’s the devil doing there? That resistance may very well be God’s way of getting our attention. Perhaps, we’re not always as attentive as we should be, and we’re not really listening to what He’s saying.
Peace Accompanies His Will
Another way to determine His will is having peace. If you are in peace doing what you feel called to do, more than likely you are on target. On the other hand, if peace begins to dissipate, and disappears over a course of time, it may be sign that it is time for a change. This does not refer to a one-off moment of feeling anxious for whatever reason. This refers to a constant lack of peace. “It doesn’t feel right anymore.” If peace is lacking, ask for wisdom and direction.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
