Surrendered Trust

What would happen in our lives if when in times of decision, we chose to concern ourselves with obedience that comes through relationship with God and knowing His word rather than striving to reveal for God His "perfect and divine will"?

What would happen if instead of fretting, we chose to trust God even when heaven may appear silent and take a step forward into what looks to be the way ahead? Do you believe that our God is able to direct or even redirect your steps?

In the book of James and in chapter 1, James encourages the church to live lives that are shaped out of God's Word. The Message reads "So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation garden of your life." It goes on to say "But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God (the free life!) even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is not a distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action." (Jas 1:25)

After praying all night, Jesus, in Luke 6:12-16, chose twelve disciples and designated the apostles. We learn from Jesus' example that after committing our circumstances to the Lord and waiting on Him, there will come a time when you and I are faced with the need to make decisions. George Moore said "The difficulty in life is the choice". Fulton J Sheen said "Nature gives man corn but he must grind it; God gives man a will but he must make the right choices".

Sometimes I seek God and pray and ask Him to show me what He wants. Sometimes I pray for a sign and sometimes I feel that I should simply be in tune with God's Holy Spirit and knowingly walk out His will. God does not intend for confusion to surround His will.

It is easier said than done to make a good decision. Let me share two things with you that I find helpful in my own life:

1) Circumstances: Recognize that God is in control of your life and will use your experiences to direct you. Consider the circumstances surrounding before you make a final decision. Think about the practicalities including the spiritual elements, the financial, the emotional, social and the physical.

2) Counsel: Take time to listen to what other respected Christians have to say. Proverbs tells us that "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed" (Prov 15:22).

May we choose to wait on God and trust that He will lead us and guide us into His will for our lives - lives that are truly surrendered to what God would have for us: waiting, trusting, obeying and moving forward.

[Currently playing on my IPod: Forever And A Day by Hillsong]