What is God's Will?
Dear Friends,
I am a planner. I want to know in advance what my day holds, what challenges I may face, decisions that have to be made, appointments to be kept. I think that’s probably true of a lot of people in our profession because so much of the counsel we offer our clients has to be researched, substantiated, well-thought out, relevant and reliable. Yet, we also know that the world is filled with uncertainty and on any given day, just about anything can happen!
That’s why, if you’re like me, you may find yourself frequently questioning God’s plan – in general and for your own life. We want to know what lies ahead and sometimes “not knowing” can be a source of great uncertainty and frustration. That’s why Nehemiah’s story spoke to me so clearly. It’s relevant to our lives because it reminds us that while we are not in control and we don’t have all the answers, we can take comfort in God’s good plan for us.
An important component of Nehemiah’s story was his willingness to accept God’s blueprint for his life, even if it was revealed one page at a time. He stepped out in faith to listen to God’s word and take action with the belief that it was in his best interest, and in the best interest of fulfilling God’s plan. That’s leadership with a Christian twist.
Sometimes we may feel called to step into leadership roles that we either don’t want or feel ill-prepared to handle. Maybe we shun the “spotlight” that a leadership role brings. Maybe we don’t feel confident that we have the knowledge or experience to lead others effectively. Maybe we are afraid that we will be ridiculed if we fail. Or maybe that leadership role God is asking us to accept just doesn’t make sense to us.
That’s why the story of Nehemiah is so telling. It shows us that when we are willing to listen to God’s plan for us, even if it’s revealed bit by bit, and we act according to what He tells us, we are practicing the presence of God through our leadership of others. That’s a topic I am going to explore in the next several blog postings. I hope you enjoy them and look forward to hearing your comments!
In the meantime, have you ever felt God calling you into a leadership role that you didn’t feel prepared for, but that you accepted anyway? What happened? How did it enrich your life and the lives of your clients, family and friends? Share your story and inspire others.
Blessings,
Ron
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God's will versus my will. I would tend to say this is the toughest track to stay on without the help of others. Ron is absolutely right on about the rejection and all the negative feelings one can experience while trying to do God's will. To often the road traveled for my will seems so much easier that it has me believing that it must be God's will because He's making it all fall together. God wouldn't want me to struggle in doing His Will, would he? My mind has taken me so far from the truth. For me taking the road that seems harder has helped me to grow more spiritually and mentally than I ever thought possible. I'm reminded that Jesus prayed for the will of his Father to be easier on Him. Lord make me more patient and make me even more willing to do thy will, not mine. Amen.
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I love this story because it is so timely to our day & time as in Nehemiah's time. I'm concerned about provision now & protection as well. The changes we keep hearing & seeing pulls out fear or trust. I must equip myself as Nehemiah did everyday that my income is not so much at stake as to protect what the founders of this nation provided in the order by God's hand. That's why we must defend our country in the workplace God's way as our military protects our boundaries with the rules of engagement. The model is in place.....May I follow it!
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Luis V. Alvarado wrote:
To me knowing God's Will is about being in His Word and responding to His Call with obedience. Boy, that's easier said than done. I find myself daily in a spiritual battle and not spending enough time in God's Word and living it out. But, by God's grace when I do see the fruits of my actions and receive the afirmation and thank you from others, it drives me forward by reminding me of what a great and awesome God I serve. He cares so much for me and chooses to use me to accomplish His good and perfect Will. My daily prayer is that I would walk worthy of such a calling.
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