Do we too often respond to circumstances with "whatever God wants will happen" or "what's meant to be will be," in essence throwing our hands up and taking the easy way out, when perhaps we are supposed to instead find out what it is God wants?
The Bible says "we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). It also says "understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17).
So, rather than spouting off the easy, comforting "whatever is meant to be will happen," should we instead seek the thoughts of God and find out "what is meant to be"... and then be submissive and proactive in that?
I understand that saying "what God wants will happen" is not always just easy and comforting... it does require faith. I'm just wondering if it's the right approach in all situations.
Any thoughts? I'd really like to hear them.
I definitely think we are supposed to search for what God wants, in our prayers, in scripture (asking Him to reveal truth to us...but not forcing scripture to fit into what we want), and as the spirit speaks to our hearts. Sometimes in circumstances, although, circumstances are subject to His speaking, if that makes sense. He tells us to find wisdom, to pursue it, to ask for it. Sometimes the answer is wait, and God stays silent for a time. That's when we have to trust that He will reveal Himself when He is ready. Sometimes we have to take steps forward in prayer, always asking for Him to reveal Himself and keep us on His path for our lives; trusting He will give us the wisdom and direction.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe God always blocks wrong paths. I think that sometimes He wants us to seek Him and hear His voice. Listen to what He says and choose the path we see Him in.
"Whatever is meant to happen will happen" seems to me like being sick and not taking any steps toward healing, just saying if I'm meant to be well, I'll be well. Or, if I'm meant to have a job, I'll have a job, without going out and looking for a job. I don't think we can say that 100% of the time, because sometimes those steps don't lead to the healing, but I don't believe He wants us to just sit back and do nothing. We should always be seeking His heart. There are times to go, and there are times to wait. If we don't hear His voice, we must discern if He wants us to wait, or if it's one of those things that is just our choice, and all choices are within His will.
I'm not really sure this makes any sense! : ) I know what I want to say, but saying it in writing is not going the way my brain is thinking it!
?This issue of predestination is definitely meat to chew on. I like what your mom said. I thought of Matt 7:7 and I like the amplified..."Keep on asking and it will be given to you;keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking(reverntly) and the door will be opened to you . For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened." This is telling us to tenaciously seek the heart of God. There is nothing passive about that! Then there's the whole sovereignty of God issue and some want to do nothing because "God is going to do what God is going to do," but it is clear that the Word tells us to seek His will and pray for wisdom. Keep seeking Him. Praying for you! You inspire me!
ReplyDeleteAshley-I read this on my lunch break today and pondered on it this afternoon. It's a really great question, one I hadn't really thought of. And actually, I wanted to thank you because after thinking about it, it's a challenge to me and I'm sure others.
ReplyDeleteBecause you're right, I believe, with everything you say. We all to often just expect God to force feed us what's going on. Sure, you could get into a whole predestination discussion but it is kind of true. What will be will be. That said, God clearly gives us an outline of how to live our lives. Instructions, if you will. If he was going to do everything for us, surely He wouldn't have had so many men write down so much stuff.
So just from my own studies we do need to pray for God's will. However, we have to be proactive in our searching for it. That could mean anything really, but maybe most simply it means making sure our hearts and minds are open to anything that may come our way and when something does come our way that we consider it prayerfully and with the mind of Christ.