The Mystery of God's Will

First of all this post is in no way a review, critique, or affiliated in any other way with Chuck Swindoll's book by the same title. I have listened to it (via audiobook) and highly recommend it. Nevertheless, this post does deal with the same topic of how do we discern God's will.

This subject has always intrigued and, at times, troubled me. In light of our station in life this subject has been on the forefront of my mind. What is involved in discerning the will of God? How do we know if we've found it? Is it like the advice you always hear regarding how to know if you are in love (i.e. you just know)? Is it a proper display of faith to, like Gideon, lay out "fleeces"? Or, is it much simpler? Does God shape our desires to conform to His as we grow in intimacy with Him? If that is the case then does God show us His will simply by giving us a desire to do something? Of course, this assumes that an individual's relationship with the Lord is healthy.

I have realized that too often I wait for a weird feeling in my stomach, chills down my spine, or some other tangible indication. However, I am coming to the realization that while God may, at times, provide such a sensation it is not necessarily an indication of His will (it could just be that burrito talking back!). I believe that the Lord has given us minds for a reason and intends that we use them (Is. 1:18 ). So perhaps the Lord allows us to logically think through an issue, ensuring that it does not violate His word, and make a decision.

There are a couple of truths related to the character of God that comfort me in the process of discerning His will. First, I know the Lord is not trying to hide from me. He does not send me on a scavenger hunt to find Him. However, He often delays (though is never late) in giving clarity to an issue. One reason for this is that He desires we pursue Him, His heart, and an understanding of His ways more than to know what the next turn in life should be.

Second, we are not on a performance based acceptance with Him. This is comforting because I know that even if I were to choose something that was not in His will that He will not abandon me. He will discipline me when necessary but I believe that if I have honestly sought Him in the matter that He will lovingly direct me back on course. I realize this begs the question that if I have honestly sought Him is it possible to choose something that is not His will?

Third, we have the Holy Spirit in us to guide and direct our paths and can orchestrate circumstances to keep us from choosing a path that is not the Lord's will. Again, this assumes we are not walking in rebellion and are honestly seeking the Lord. If this is not the case then we have a whole other set of issues to work through.

So, how does this relate back to our decision to attend seminary? Well, we have (and continue to) honestly sought the Lord's will in this decision. I have not had an emotional or tangible indication that we have made the right decision but I think the Lord may be telling me to make a decision in faith based on what I know about Him and His character without relying on any physical sensation. The primary thought processes I have gone through in this decision are:
I have had a desire to go to seminary for several years
I love to study scripture and I love to learn
Spending concentrated time in His word and learning from seasoned believers is not contrary to scripture and will be benefical
No other opportunities have presented themselves
There is not another profession or field that hold any interest to me. Financial counseling is interesting to me but I believe the Lord will, one day, incorporate that into any ministry He opens for me.
When I consider the question, "What would I do if money were not an issue?" the answer is always to attend seminary.
I believe that I would live with a regret if I did not pursue a seminary education. It may be that the Lord's life's work for me will not require a seminary education but if I don't pursue it then I know I will always wonder "what if..."

These are just some of the reasons that I believe the Lord's next step for us is to attend seminary. We continue to pray for the Lord to provide a tangible confirmation that we are heading in the right direction but if we don't receive one then I have to trust that He will honor our sincere quest to walk in obedience to His will and will direct us in the right direction.

I have no idea what step will come next. I don't expect the Lord to one day just open my eyes to what is ahead for the rest of my life. If He did then I know I would be tempted to try and work things out in my own strength to make it happen and would not rely on the Lord to get me there. In that case I would receive the glory for finding God's will rather than He receive the glory for leading me into His will.

Well, in case you ever wondered what it was like inside my head (and I doubt that anyone has except for maybe my wife) then you just got a snapshot. Pretty scary, huh?

Thank you for continuing to pray for us!