When is an opportunity actually a diversion? When does a noble well intentioned God-idea get ever so slightly distorted by well meaning but erroneous man-plans? When is a step of faith a fateful step?
I get the impression more and more that life was made for taking risks. However calculated and confident they may appear, certain decisions and acts are risks. There is no absolute guarantee of success. We have to trust and hope as we move that it is of God. Even that ‘peace’ we feel about something can actually just be a calming protective mechanism from the concerns ahead.
If we don’t take that risk we are left with a nagging question of what could have been. If we take the risk there is the fear of failure and its aftermath. What we read in Scripture about steps of faith are risks. It is easy in hindsight to applaud the right step of faith, but at the time there is little to no precedent to ever fully assure us of the what we are about to do. Likewise there can be such an emphasis on doing something that it is often neglected that the wisest, bravest and most God-honouring thing to do in some situations, is absolutely nothing.
So how do we know? How can we know? Wise counsel – sure. Enquiring through Scripture – certainly. Fasting and prayer – comes highly recommended. Through all these though is that mystery of the spirit’s leading. As safe as it might feel talking about how it has to line up with Scripture, the Word itself is about doing new things, pioneering new work in different places at different times. Thus maybe the call may require the unorthodox and unconventional – and all we have is a conviction to buck the trend and go against all odds.
These risks and faith dilemmas cover issues of intimate relationship and the direction of God’s call on your life. It is so important and it can be so hard. Yet it is still worth pursuing so as to discover God’s mind on an issue and be lead by that. All the best in the meantime, though.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 