I believed for a long time that God had a unique plan for each person's life. Eventually, I grew away from the "puppet mentality" of thinking that we had no say in the matter.
The next step was to understand that while God has a perfect plan for each life, that doesn't mean each of us chooses to grow and enjoy in that life. Truthfully, it took me a while to reconcile God's plan and man's free will, but once I did, it became empowering.
The next phase of my journey was learning that God doesn't give up on us no matter how badly we mess up. Just take a look at King David. There was a guy who seemed to be an expert at making poor choices, like adultery, murder. And we won't even go into his family dynamics. But, did the Lord give up on him? Nope! The Lord kept His promises to David, because He is faithful, even when we are not.
What about Rahab and Ruth? Neither woman is introduced as being one of the Hebrew children. Harlot and homemaker. Both women made deliberate, life-changing decisions to honor God through their words and actions, and He in turned honored them.
So far, I'd learned we're not puppets, God still wants to be a part of our lives even when we foul up, and He's willing to step into the lives of receptive people. I still had/have much to learn.
Then I ended up leading a women's Bible study. You know the incredible thing about leading a study is how much you get to learn. I learned a lot of quirky and historical stuff about Jonah and Paul. I also learned the Lord loves us so much He will chase us down or allow bad things to happen to us to get our attention.
You would think with all the study and learning it would have soaked in past my head into my heart by this time, and maybe a little had. Maybe the eternal tug-of-war of wills had only subsided, or changed direction, or maybe I was doing my Elijah imitation, going from exultation to desperation.
Just in case you're a new visitor to David's Daughter, I retired from public education last May to write and share faith-based children's books with at risk kids. Seventeen years of longing to be a teacher, followed by numerous sacrifices for my family, were only the beginning of God's plan for me. Obviously, He is willing to speak up for those of us with hearing impaired hearts. We may grasp the big picture, like a life of service, but miss the unique details, like how we are to serve.
Now, Tom and I are knee deep in trying to broaden our outreach to kids, with all the positive and negative issues that arise with a new venture. Unfortunately, there are still times I forget to listen. It's not that I don't want to, or can't, I just forget. I get so caught up in being responsible, I forget to rely on the One who called us in the first place.
I may be dense, but I'm no fool and realize that some blog posts are inherently better than others. That said, each word is carefully prayed over. I repeatedly ask for guidance with topics, Scripture, images and even the quotes. Writing to/for you draws me back to that place where I ask, "Are You talking to me?" Thank you for helping me to continuing to seek and stay sensitive to the "still, small voice".
How's your journey in God's will for your life going? How do you maintain your focus? Are there times when hearing His will is harder than others?
The next step was to understand that while God has a perfect plan for each life, that doesn't mean each of us chooses to grow and enjoy in that life. Truthfully, it took me a while to reconcile God's plan and man's free will, but once I did, it became empowering.
The next phase of my journey was learning that God doesn't give up on us no matter how badly we mess up. Just take a look at King David. There was a guy who seemed to be an expert at making poor choices, like adultery, murder. And we won't even go into his family dynamics. But, did the Lord give up on him? Nope! The Lord kept His promises to David, because He is faithful, even when we are not.
What about Rahab and Ruth? Neither woman is introduced as being one of the Hebrew children. Harlot and homemaker. Both women made deliberate, life-changing decisions to honor God through their words and actions, and He in turned honored them.
So far, I'd learned we're not puppets, God still wants to be a part of our lives even when we foul up, and He's willing to step into the lives of receptive people. I still had/have much to learn.
Then I ended up leading a women's Bible study. You know the incredible thing about leading a study is how much you get to learn. I learned a lot of quirky and historical stuff about Jonah and Paul. I also learned the Lord loves us so much He will chase us down or allow bad things to happen to us to get our attention.
You would think with all the study and learning it would have soaked in past my head into my heart by this time, and maybe a little had. Maybe the eternal tug-of-war of wills had only subsided, or changed direction, or maybe I was doing my Elijah imitation, going from exultation to desperation.
Just in case you're a new visitor to David's Daughter, I retired from public education last May to write and share faith-based children's books with at risk kids. Seventeen years of longing to be a teacher, followed by numerous sacrifices for my family, were only the beginning of God's plan for me. Obviously, He is willing to speak up for those of us with hearing impaired hearts. We may grasp the big picture, like a life of service, but miss the unique details, like how we are to serve.
Now, Tom and I are knee deep in trying to broaden our outreach to kids, with all the positive and negative issues that arise with a new venture. Unfortunately, there are still times I forget to listen. It's not that I don't want to, or can't, I just forget. I get so caught up in being responsible, I forget to rely on the One who called us in the first place.
I may be dense, but I'm no fool and realize that some blog posts are inherently better than others. That said, each word is carefully prayed over. I repeatedly ask for guidance with topics, Scripture, images and even the quotes. Writing to/for you draws me back to that place where I ask, "Are You talking to me?" Thank you for helping me to continuing to seek and stay sensitive to the "still, small voice".
How's your journey in God's will for your life going? How do you maintain your focus? Are there times when hearing His will is harder than others?
Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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