Not long ago I posted on this (same title). I didn't read that this morning, except to glance at it, and comments, kind of reminding me of the gist of that post and thought afterwards.
I have found that there just seems like there are moments and times when we're to act and do something. Usually it's something that has been brewing in our minds and hearts for some time. We just have a sense that we should, and at times that we want to do something that we think is good. Or that just seems good for us to do at the time.
Then I can find afterwards, that having done it, it seems like something beyond me. I did it. It's finished. I pray. And God, as always, is doing his work.
Of course all of this is on a course of seeking to follow Christ individually and communally. Being in Scripture/the Word, and in prayer. God directs us as we do this. Putting in checks and stops and guidance along the way. If we're only open to receive it.
The bottom line, though, is to proceed with confidence. As we seek to walk in communion with Christ and his Body, we can continue in this way, by faith, knowing that God will continue to lead us. That whatever questions or doubts we have along the way, will never stop his faithfulness to us, as we look to him, and listen for his voice.
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6 comments:
Ted,
The question of how to know God's will and how to hear God's voice is very important. We've been discussing it recently. Last Thursday, I asked the question, "How did God speak to people in Scripture?" Here are some of the answers that we found: Scripture, prayer, dreams, visions, audibly, reason/logic, other people, experiences. There may be others. The question now is: Can and does God continue to use these methods to speak to people and to reveal his will?
-Alan
Allan, I have to agree with Dallas Willard (from his book, Hearing God http://www.dwillard.org/books/HearingGod.asp
that whatever God did in Scripture times, he can do today.
However I would also agree with N.T. Wright in Simply Christian, if I'm rendering his thought here correctly: That God wants to move and direct us in ways that seem mundane and "natural". Not ruling out "supernatural" ways, as in the Bible. But the norm being in ways more down where we live as ordinary human beings, in the context of good works done, from faith in love.
And I allow for a certain sense of ambiguity here. And for being open to correction, as well. But it's important to be open to doing or saying something, that may be just the need of the time, or may "fit the bill", without being paralyzed by lack of complete certainty....
But I should also add that in major decisions, what I think I'm saying means that one investigates everything thoroughly. As in buying a house, etc. With much prayer. And patience. Being the norm in those kind of matters.
Just to let you know what I think on these things.
Alan, Sorry I misspelled your name.
Ted,
I think I agree with you (and Wright), if I understand what you mean by "ways that seem mundane and natural". I believe that many times God uses our "renewed" minds to revel his will and to lead us. I think this happened in Scripture as well, such as when someone would say "it seems", or "I consider", or "I think"... etc.
I would also agree that we should not rule out the possibility of God using more "supernatural" ways.
Don't worry about misspelling my name. It happens so often that I don't even notice. As a matter of fact, I've been known to misspell my own name at my blog from time to time.
-Alan
Alan, I like the way you put it, in regard to God leading us through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
I also think, as is reflected in our comments, I believe, that it's always good to have some caution as to how much of God is in this. In other words, I can say, "I believe", or "it seems to me"- that God is leading me to do such and such. And not: "God led me to do such and such."
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