Sunday, July 15, 2012

Weekend Worship—Paralyzing Indecision

I used to agonize over decisions in my life, worried that I might miss God’s answer and the consequences would be devastating (or at least unpleasant). This worry often kept me from acting because I really did want what God wanted. Then I realized that this concern was actually a lack of faith. I was, in essence, saying that hearing God was dependent on me—not God!

Paul didn’t have this problem. These verses are the start of his second missionary journey. He left on that journey with the decision to go to Asia. Reading theses verses show that God had something else entirely in mind. But nowhere in these verses do we find condemnation of Paul for having acted, even though he obviously missed what God had intended. What an inspiration, what comfort! I can act on what I think God is saying without worrying about Him abandoning me. The key to this is my heart—if I’m truly seeking what’s important to God, He’ll never leave me to my own devises, but always guide me back to His path.

And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10 NASB

9 comments:

  1. Edie, I struggle with this also. Your insight is very helpful.

    Cynthia L Simmons

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  2. Edie, I'll never forget the first time I found those verses. What a comfort they have been to me through the years. Sometimes we have to take the wrong road just to get us started so He can lead us to where He wants us to go! Have a blessed Lord's Day!

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  3. When I hear something twice, I believe God is saying something especially important. (I just listened to Charles Stanley talk on "Direction Without Doubt.")

    I often struggle when making decisions, and now with something personal that I'm writing. The above Scripture assures me that God will block the path when I'm heading in the wrong direction, if I keep my eyes on Him. I will continue praying and proceed, but with an ear to the Spirit.

    Thanks, Edie!!

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  4. Just like a parent who moves their child away from a dangerous object or place, God will move me when I'm not wise enough to know which way to go! thanks, Edie, that was comforting.

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  5. Such encouragement, Edie, in your post.

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  6. Thanks for the words of encouragement, Edie! Sometimes we are so determined to go our own path and then God leads us back and we realize we took the scenic view, not the shortcut we thought it was.

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  7. Our daughter and her husband make a lot of decisions based on paper, rock, scissors. I'm sure that's better than being paralyzed like I am sometimes. Maybe I need those three and a coin to flip. : ) Thanks, Edie, for sharing your insights.

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  8. So thankful to have the one true Guide! Oh that we may hear His voice and follow.

    Blessings!

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  9. Wow, thank you for this message.

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