In God’s will, faith grows strong.
“The steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23 NLT.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “God Moments.”
Many years ago, I almost missed what would later become a most important moment of my life. In retrospect, I am grateful that my choice did not negate everything that our ministry and family have enjoyed since. I have learned that choices that seem simple at the moment can have long term and life-long effects, for your life as well as impacting others.
More than forty years ago, I received a phone call on behalf of a church seeking a pastor. The caller said, “You have been recommended as a pastor for us. Would you be interested?” I listened politely, but without much hesitation or consideration responded, “Thank you, but I am not interested.” Unknown to me in that God moment, I was being offered a choice that had the power to shape the rest of our lives, our children’s lives, and now our grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives. I was so occupied with my present and pleasant circumstances that I almost missed our future.
Mistakenly, I assumed that decision was mine to make. I did not realize that moment – as every moment of any of our lives – was in God’s hand and I was accountable to His sovereign and always benevolent will. No sooner were the words out of my mouth, than deep inside I knew they were wrong. My disinterest guided my choice, but God’s will must always be of first importance. God’s voice in my heart was saying something much different than what I had so quickly volunteered.
I quickly apologized, and even more quickly and silently repented to God, before I changed my answer to say, “My wife and I would prayerfully consider your invitation if this were to be God’s will, and if your church leadership and congregation wish us to do so.” We came for a visit; God confirmed His will to the Church and to my wife and I, and we were invited to be their pastor. That was Trinity Church in San Antonio where we have lived and served for forty blessed and prosperous years.
We have seen our children grow up and marry here, welcomed grandchildren and spouses, and great-grandchildren to our family. We found a home, fruitful ministry, and wide circle of friends that I cannot imagine having lived without their partnership and company. Committing to God’s will and walking in obedience to His voice has resulted in a life rich with blessing and provision beyond what we could have foreseen – a divinely directed moment.
I am reminded of Jesus invitation, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” Revelation 3:20 NIV. Our life, marriage and family, and extent of ministry would have been profoundly different if we had not recognized that God moment.
As a priority, you much choose to hear His voice, and love and trust His will. Life is often shaped, and your success or failure determined by recognizing such life-defining moments – God moments – and having the discernment and courage to seize them when God has prepared you for that moment. Solomon was wise to advise, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Read Proverbs 4:5-9 NIV.
You will need wisdom and discernment. Not everything that comes your way is an opportunity you should embrace. Diversions and distractions may be attractive but may be inconsistent with your greater goals and commitments. They may be tempting, unless you listen for God’s whisper in your heart, “I have something better for you; be patient.”
Keep your heart in God’s hand and trust Him to guide and direct your steps. God’s promise is clear, “You will hear a word behind you saying, ‘this is the way, walk in it,’ . . the steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord; He delights in every detail of their lives.” Isaiah 30:21/ Psalm 37:23 NLT. Every detail; imagine that!
At all times, it is important to value and recognize God’s voice above your own thoughts and others’ opinions. See Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV. You will hear competing voices of fear, or prejudice, or temptation, or distraction, or just personal preference. When you believe it is God’s voice: consider Scripture (God never contradicts His Word), seek Godly counsel, pray honestly, and then walk obediently and circumspectly. “Be careful how you live . . as wise people . . find out what the Lord wants you to do.” See Ephesians 5:14-17 NIV.
When you know and obey God’s will, then your faith will be strong, and you will live more wisely. Solomon observed, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV.
Today, I pray for you to know God’s voice and follow God’s will.
Christian Communications 2018-908
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com