*originally posted at womendevotions.com
Ah…the age old question for those of us who find ourselves at a crossroads, a conundrum, in a pickle etc. What does God want me to do? Which way does He want me to go? We often make this mystery harder than it needs to be. Why? Oh probably because we wish we were God whether we’d like to admit it or not. We can’t stand the unknown or not being in control! It’s scary! Plus, we don’t want to waste time or energy!
However, I discovered the other day when reading a friend and fellow pastor’s FaceBook post, that the answer is quite simple. Diane Bobko said this, “It’s easier to turn a moving car than to turn a parked one. Not sure what direction God wants you to go? Get up and get moving.” It was one of those AHA moments for me, folks! It’s just like going anywhere toward any destination….you gotta push down the big peddle on the right and GO! Now, that being said, I suppose we should pull up google maps via the good book. Here are some good turns to take no matter your starting point:
GO WITH GOD
Go with God. Always take Him with you. Sometimes He’ll be the navigator in the seat next to you letting you do the work and sometimes He’ll take the wheel as Carrie Underwood sings. How do you do this? Read His Word daily. Talk to Him often. Listen even more. Devotional time is key.
The first verses my kids memorized were these:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. ” – Proverbs 3:5,6
Go with God.
OBEY – Don’t go rogue.
Obey. Surely, you already have somewhat of an idea what God is wanting you to do even if the way is uncertain. Obey. Simply obey the little you’re sure of. One of my new favorite things to say is “The way to measure success is obedience.” Recently, I had a new LifeGroup leader at our church admit she was a bit nervous. I smiled at her and said, “well you know how to measure success don’t ya? Obedience. Just do what you’re called to and God will take care of the rest.” You should have seen the relief wash over her face. If we can trust that google maps will get us where we wanna go when it tells us to turn left in 500 ft, obeying God should be even easier. (James 1:25)
Ask for Directions
Ask for directions and seek Godly input from people who have been where you’re going. You don’t have to do exactly what they did in the end, but there’s wisdom in gaining input from Godly people. Proverbs 11:14 says “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Play it safe and ask for directions.
Take Inventory
Take inventory of what God has gifted you with and how He has equipped you. Chances are if God hasn’t enabled you to carry a tune in a bucket, He isn’t taking you on your way to be a worship leader. If you’re in a mini cooper, you’re not about to go off-roading. Of course, God is a god of miracles, so there’s exceptions to the rule. However, He’s often very practical so pay attention to what you’ve got and use it to get you where you’re going. (1 Peter 4:10)
Pay Attention
Whether God is your navigator or He’s behind the wheel. Pay attention. What is He doing? What is He saying? John 10:27 says, ” My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Chances are if a road is closed, you’re not supposed to take it. The same is true with life. God probably isn’t giving you a job that hasn’t been offered to you. God tends to be pretty good at blocking roads and opening alternate routes. Check out Acts 16:6-10:
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Sometimes Paul came across a roadblock and had to take an alternate route. Of course, it doesn’t ALWAYS mean that the clear way is God’s way, but it does give us some basic direction.
All that being said, the point of my writing today is this:
If you’re thinking “what does God want me to do?” The answer is simply “Get up and go.” It is easier to turn a moving car than a parked one.