How could we have been a part of that ministry? Aren’t the sheep supposed to hear His voice?

They need us on July 1^st. Is this just a coincidence?

My children are going to dislike me because I’m so unkind. Are we sure we should really be home educating?

Some decisions fall under commands or principles in scripture, yet there are others such as, “Which home should we buy?” that are not so well-resolved. Ever wish for the crystal-clear email from God? “Dear Andrea, I know that you and your husband have been wondering whether or not I want you to move. Well, for the time being…” or, “Dear Andrea, Yes, the right decision was made.  You did, indeed, hear Me…”

Throughout a lifetime, we may question whether we are hearing the Lord’s voice.  A portion of life is spent in the status quo of decisions already made and the other part devoted to “waiting upon the Lord”. Although an email for the former or the latter is just a dream, we can in reality face these challenges and take hold of the opportunities for growth.

After being involved with a particular ministry for several years, we became aware of error in the ministry and ourselves. After leaving, we lamented the ignorance of our former choice.  “How could we not hear the Lord’s voice?” However, He has proved we were right where He wanted us.  The ways in which the Lord has used our former experience is remarkable.

In the last year, my husband has served as an interim pastor in two separate churches.  At the conclusion of our work in the first, we communicated plans to stay for an additional month and a half, taking us to June 30^th. God’s future plans for us were unclear. We began to ask the Lord for direction and within a few weeks received a call asking if Joe would be willing to interim at a different church beginning July 1st. The quick answer for the future situation was prayerfully considered and then accepted.

Over my years of home educating, true confessions reveal a sarcastic streak, years in developing, and yet to be fully purged from my soul. Joyfully I can say that overcoming and purging are in marked progress and this home education arena in which I find myself has been the major training ground used for His refining work!

Examples could also be given that reveal lengthier wait times, or complete changes in direction of original plans. Disappointment lies in trying to count on situations to be alike in the way they play out, whether comparing them to our own prior experiences or to others. For instance, the young couple deciding to move to California sold their house the first day it was on the market, so surely it was God’s will. We then might conclude in error that because our home has been on the market for eight months, it must not be God’s will. Circumstances do not necessarily determine whether we have been or are being discerning. Considerable time may pass before we see what God had intended through a difficulty.  Quite possibly we will never know.

Knowing that many reading this are probably well-versed in prayer, the encouragement is to be patient in prayer. Scripture doesn’t say that the peace that passes all understanding comes from making the right decision, but “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:7.  The peace is not in the answer, but in God having the request and our thankfulness for the opportunity to trust Him.

Read scripture passages and good biographies giving example of God’s divine leading. Talk to missionaries and others with stories of God’s leading. These are sure to encourage and give the reminder of Jesus’ words, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me...” John 10:27. 

Without sounding trite, the need is to take decisions one day at a time. Will we continue wasting precious time fretting and worrying about the coming decisions?  I-don’t-know- what-to-do-because-my-husband-is-planning-to-have-his-own-business-and-we-still-have-debt-and-we-are-also-ministering-to-so-many-folks-that-it-makes-my-head-spin-and-what-about-getting-all-of-this-homeschool-stuff-done-by-the-time-they-graduate….whew!  We can decide to dwell there, or we can go forward.  Going backward is not an option.

Planning is good and yes, at times decisions need to be made quickly, but if God’s plan is clear for today, do it! Consciously think of, or write down, ten things God desires of you today. Function excellently in what He has assigned. We don’t have to look in the inbox for an email that will never arrive. Pray, figure out the priorities, make the most of the situation, and always determine to go forward in the strength of the Lord.

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