March 5, 2010

Don't Discredit God

Philippians 1:6...
...being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Most people like to have control over their lives. We like to be certain of everything, and not to have questions or uncertainty or something that we can't explain. It's uncomfortable. Personally, I have never been a control freak with regard to other people; but I have a desperate desire for control in my personal life. I like deadlines, obvious directions, clear communication, and a knowledge of the path in front of me.

I was getting very clear direction from God concerning my course of action in an area of my life. I had received multiple confirmations of this direction form many areas, from leadership to my small group to prayer... but just because I was apprehensive, I kept second-guessing God. I went into a conversation with a very trusted older friend looking for a definite yes or no; the answer I got was "If you're getting a yes from God, then yes; if you're getting a no, then no." It wasn't exactly definitive, which frustrated me a little... but it ended up being what I needed to hear.

In worship that night at my church's midweek youth service, I got convicted of what I had been doing. After so many positive confirmations from God of the direction I was to head in, I still wanted more proof. In worship God didn't give me a definite yes or no; He let me know that I hadn't been trusting Him. He had given me a really clear direction, but I kept coming back saying "Are you sure? Could you tell me that one more time? I just need to be completely sure." He told me to trust what He had told me and to acknowledge that He is in control even in my uncertainty.

I had more than enough confirmations to be confident of my direction, but I kept discrediting what God had told me before and came back to re-confirm. It's like my Dad telling me that I could take the car somewhere and then coming back to ask him if I could take the car somewhere... five more times. If God has put a purpose on your heart, don't discredit that. Move forward in it as soon as possible after seeking wisdom from brothers and sisters you trust. Start that prayer group. Invite that person that God has put on your heart to church. Pray with and for a non-Christian, if they'll let you. They usually will. If you've received clear direction, don't waste time by pretending that you're still unsure.

This is not to say that you should rush everything; some situations take time to work out and patience to see through and find a opportunity in. But don't plan on witnessing to someone "next week." Commit to it next time you see them. Step forward in obedience and God will reward that; and for His sake, don't wait until tomorrow to do it. Give control over to Him and step forward in faith, and God will see it through.

Philippians 1:6...
...being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

1 comment:

  1. Zach - I'm loving your blog! Rowekamp told me about it earlier this week. What you've written here reminds of a quote (stated by Christoph last night, who got it from Marc Estes).

    "The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second best time to plant is today."

    This is so true when talking about doing what God has called us to do, especially reaching out to people. We constantly think/say that there will be another opportunity tomorrow, but no, the best time is right now.

    Bless you bro!

    -Jeremy P

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