Action or Wait for God?

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Permalink Reply by Jay Cookingham on September 6, 2008 at 3:11pm

Scott,
I feel that the Father is ALWAYS speaking...mostly through His Word of course but through our gifts as well. Just remember your most meaniful ministry is your family, that's where the Father wants us to have the most impact. Pray for opportunities to share your heart and wait on Him to prepare the place...I think you'll be surprised where you be able to use your giftedness for Him.

Peace!
Jay

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Permalink Reply by The Hayseed on September 8, 2008 at 9:12am

I had a friend tell me that Jesus said He will be a lamp unto our feet. Not a searchlight or even a headlight. A lamp doesn't illuminate very far out in front of us. We can't see way down the road with it.

God's leading is like that. It requires each step to illuminate the next step. Each step (action) requires the faith to take it.

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Permalink Reply by Rocco Capra (Rohon) on September 8, 2008 at 5:30pm

Live out of your gifting. That's what the Father desires. Your gifts will take you on the journey He has waiting for you...

So, in other words. Don't sit there and wait, Go, He will guide you on the journey.

Rocco

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Permalink Reply by Terry (HisLadyBug) on September 17, 2008 at 12:15am

Hayseed....Thank you very much for the good words.

Rocco...Blue Moon coming right up!

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Permalink Reply by Shannon on September 17, 2008 at 5:34pm

I think that you take the opportunities given, and you walk through the doors that open. Its a balance of moving and waiting really. Kind of like the waltz - you want God to lead, but He shouldn't be dragging you through the moves either. The key is moving at the right time, and pausing at the right time.

How that happens is still admittedly somewhat of a mystery to me. God's "steps" aren't always predictable, and sometimes He tries new moves. I think that trust, resting our weight in His arms, and the relationship we have with Him are so crucial. Its what helps us discern what's coming next. I'm still learning, still working it out in my own life. Just today, I was revisiting a desire that I keep stuffing back over and over and over again, because its hard to wait. Hope deferred makes the heart sick! Its hard to put my heart out there to God, and wait with hopeful expectation, and so often, TOO often, I dodge the pain of that and shut my own heart down.

I realize that maybe the metaphor doesn't speak to everyone, but its the way I'm seeing things and learning right now about how to move, and when to move.

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Permalink Reply by aleph beth on September 23, 2008 at 4:15pm

to me that answer is to do both. DO what you discern as your gifting and in your ability now, but also wait for what more is to be shown to you.

the two are not exclusive, but are complementary

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Permalink Reply by Scott Coombe on October 5, 2008 at 11:05pm

Thank you guys. Here is an update.

I began a PBS (Pie, Bible, Soup) study at my home. We have had two sessions already and no one has come - some said they'd be there, but still no show. My wife and I talked about it today and we desire to continue even if no one shows, because we have an open door to the community and beleive people will show.

At the same time, another small group said they would rather host and were looking at me for a leader/moderator. This has been a very successful group and people have been encouraged. I am glad here too.

I have been writing blogs in a group "Po-Mo (Post-Modern) Gospel" on Facebook and Myspace. Feel free to join that as well if your on. I have been enjoying the discipline of writing for a purpose, but I have been so consumed with writing short notes and teaching I am hardly writing my next book... which God may or may not have said to write.

I still keep these things in prayer but God is not directing me in any area close. he's still at work on the messenger. He reminds me of how this life is such a gift... of how I lead my children... and love and bring wisdom with my wife and others.

I am still uncertain as to when things will pick up on receiving a word from Him about ministry... But I shall be content working in my gifts. Bless you all for replying.

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Permalink Reply by jo on October 6, 2008 at 6:49am

Wonderful, Scott! I love y'alls creativity!

I think everyone who posted here is right. Perhaps there is no specific right or wrong answer in this.
It's a journey. God speaks in many different ways but all should line up with the Bible, in context and concept, of course.

The really great thing about our freedom in Christ is that we can pretty much choose to do anything! We have certain gifts and talents given to us by God and quite frankly, I think he wants to see us get as creative as He did...to make something out of nothing...to make ministries where none exist....to take our light into the darkness wherever we find it.

I think that when we move out into unknown territory...creating....the response is one way that God speaks to us. Of course, sometimes we must be patient because the enemy will try to discourage us early on and put a quick end to any potential opponent. So hang in there...over time, the answer will be clear and you will know which direction to take. I think you should look at the offer to have you teach and the others host. That could be an indication of the direction God is leading, but prayer and more discussion between all of you will perhaps help clarify it. Let peace guide you.....

Scott Coombe said:

Thank you guys. Here is an update.
I began a PBS (Pie, Bible, Soup) study at my home. We have had two sessions already and no one has come - some said they'd be there, but still no show. My wife and I talked about it today and we desire to continue even if no one shows, because we have an open door to the community and beleive people will show.
At the same time, another small group said they would rather host and were looking at me for a leader/moderator. This has been a very successful group and people have been encouraged. I am glad here too.

I have been writing blogs in a group "Po-Mo (Post-Modern) Gospel" on Facebook and Myspace. Feel free to join that as well if your on. I have been enjoying the discipline of writing for a purpose, but I have been so consumed with writing short notes and teaching I am hardly writing my next book... which God may or may not have said to write.

I still keep these things in prayer but God is not directing me in any area close. he's still at work on the messenger. He reminds me of how this life is such a gift... of how I lead my children... and love and bring wisdom with my wife and others.

I am still uncertain as to when things will pick up on receiving a word from Him about ministry... But I shall be content working in my gifts. Bless you all for replying.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah K on October 7, 2008 at 5:27pm

This is an area where I am struggling right now as well. I really want God to just say, "Go do such-and-such at such-and-such a place right now!" and I've mostly been sitting around waiting for some kind of confimation of direction before I try to do anything. But stuff seems to start happening to either confirm or deny the way when I myself pick a direction and start going...I guess that confirms what a friend of mine said recently, that it's easier to steer a moving object than it is to get it rolling. I know my tendency is to fall into passivity and diminishing my desires...and from there instead of being able to lead me, God has to keep prodding me to get any response from me other than questions...

Frankly, there is a lot happening in my life right now, as far as God's working on me...and in a way it feels like everything that I really want is stalled, waiting for me to be made ready. I know I have a lot of "catching up" to do, which is rather depressing...but at the same time, bit by bit, God is starting to put things together right before my eyes, and he's making me wonder just what he'll do in my life in the near future. Still, I'm afraid to make a lot of moves right now because I may not be ready for them...but how will I know when I'm ready?

I'm eagerly submitted to God's teaching and stretching me right now, but my main frustration lies in the fact that in the middle of this process, he seems to want to pull me out of the context where I am (the job and the place), and take me out of where I have been growing so much...and I'm not sure where he wants to put me. I'm getting the drift that I'm supposed to hang onto some things I have right now (including a really good church and some deepening friendships) because God is using those people a lot in my life right now. They are helping me grow in ways I really need at the moment. So I can't move away...which means I'm stuck in a place where none of the work options sound great to me and staying at this particular job isn't doing me any good...because the work itself that I've been doing is taking a real toll on me physically.

God, what do have for me that's nearby? What am I not seeing?...

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Permalink Reply by Ron on October 7, 2008 at 11:41pm

I like to think that we are all inspired by God, I had the opportunity to see the video series Wild at Heart, at a small church in Digby Nova Scotia about 3 years ago, at that time I had no Idea, I would be involved in starting a mens group in Prince George British Columbia, we meet every monday night at 7:30 p.m. have 6 to 8 guys involved in a study and discussion group, the PG Band of Brothers. I have been blessed in witnessing men get their hearts back. When for so many years I was so alone, my wounds were deep, soothed by the use and abuse of Alcohol, Thank God for my wife and 3 beautiful daughters who never gave up believing that one day, God would answer their prayers, and they would have their father back. And then "there he (me) sat, fully clothed and in his right mind" God has given me my life, and with it came the tools (gifts) to help others less fortunate than I.
Ron

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Permalink Reply by Rocco Capra (Rohon) on October 8, 2008 at 8:02am

Sarah,

I wanted to share some things, they are the things that keep me living "free", free from worry, doubt, confusion as I walk with Father on this journey through life...

Remember, we have an enemy that will stop at nothing to kill our hearts. We so quickly forget this, that is his greatest weapon, to make us forget that he is a character in this story. That the doubt, worry confusion is our's, or worse, Father's. Don't make agreements with him. One of the easiest ways to identify the emotions, thoughts of our heart, thoughts of our mind, that are his lies, is to remember that the fruits of the Spirit, God's Spirit, The Holy Spirit, are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. If the things going on in our heart are anything but, we know it is not from Father. So "listen" , and know that the Spirit will always match it's fruits. If it is anything but the Spirit's fruit, don't agree to it.

I have also learned that the enemy always brings his best to lead us astray. It is right up there with what Father is giving/offering us, but never quite as good. he will point out how his offer doesn't cost us as much as what Father is offering us, but in reality it costs more. Father's "costs" are not costs at all but part of the gift that He is giving us, or Journey He is taking us on.

I also love the "Daily Reading" that came out yesterday...We need to remember that we are in the midst of a Great War, none the likes the nations of this would has ever seen...Three weeks is no magic number either, it may only be hours, or days, or maybe even years...

...In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over (Daniel 10:1-3). Something has happened that Daniel doesn’t understand. I think we can all relate to that. We don’t understand about 90% of what happens to us, either. Daniel is troubled. He sets out to get an answer. But three weeks of prayer and fasting produce no results. What is he to conclude? If Daniel were like most people, by this point he’d probably be headed towards one of two conclusions: I’m blowing it, or, God is holding out on me. He might try confessing every sin and petty offense, in hopes of opening up the lines of communication with God. Or, he might withdraw into a sort of disappointed resignation, drop the fast, and turn on the television. In an effort to hang onto his faith, he might embrace the difficulty as part of “God’s will for his life.” He might read a book on “the silence of God.” That’s the way the people I know handle this sort of thing. And he would be dead wrong.
On the 21st day of the fast an angel shows up, out of breath. In a sort of apology the angel explains to Daniel that God had actually dispatched him in answer to Daniel’s prayers the very first day he prayed – three weeks ago. (There goes the whole unanswered prayer thesis, right out the window). Three weeks ago? What is Daniel to do with that? “The very first day? But…I’ve…I mean, thank you so very much, and I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but…where have you been?” You haven’t blown it, Daniel, and God isn’t holding out on you. The angel goes on to explain that he was locked in hand-to-hand combat with a mighty fallen angel, a demonic power of dreadful strength, who kept him out of the Persian kingdom for these three weeks, and how he finally had to go get Michael (the great Archangel, the Captain of the Lord’s hosts) to come and help him break through enemy lines. “Now I am here, in answer to your prayer. Sorry its taken so long.”

(Waking The Dead ,30-32)

Be encouraged sister,
Rocco


Sarah K said:

This is an area where I am struggling right now as well. I really want God to just say, "Go do such-and-such at such-and-such a place right now!" and I've mostly been sitting around waiting for some kind of confimation of direction before I try to do anything. But stuff seems to start happening to either confirm or deny the way when I myself pick a direction and start going...I guess that confirms what a friend of mine said recently, that it's easier to steer a moving object than it is to get it rolling. I know my tendency is to fall into passivity and diminishing my desires...and from there instead of being able to lead me, God has to keep prodding me to get any response from me other than questions...

Frankly, there is a lot happening in my life right now, as far as God's working on me...and in a way it feels like everything that I really want is stalled, waiting for me to be made ready. I know I have a lot of "catching up" to do, which is rather depressing...but at the same time, bit by bit, God is starting to put things together right before my eyes, and he's making me wonder just what he'll do in my life in the near future. Still, I'm afraid to make a lot of moves right now because I may not be ready for them...but how will I know when I'm ready?

I'm eagerly submitted to God's teaching and stretching me right now, but my main frustration lies in the fact that in the middle of this process, he seems to want to pull me out of the context where I am (the job and the place), and take me out of where I have been growing so much...and I'm not sure where he wants to put me. I'm getting the drift that I'm supposed to hang onto some things I have right now (including a really good church and some deepening friendships) because God is using those people a lot in my life right now. They are helping me grow in ways I really need at the moment. So I can't move away...which means I'm stuck in a place where none of the work options sound great to me and staying at this particular job isn't doing me any good...because the work itself that I've been doing is taking a real toll on me physically.

God, what do have for me that's nearby? What am I not seeing?...

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Permalink Reply by Sarah K on October 16, 2008 at 6:58pm

Thanks, Rocco. Today was actually a really good day for me to be reminded of these things...the enemy's accusation has been hovering around me all day, eating away at my hope. I find it's really easy for me to blame myself for not being where I think I need to be...while at the same time, if I think about it for just a second I remember that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt everything God wants to bring out of me and every good thing He wants to bring into my life is being forcefully opposed. But somehow the enemy has been turning this around on me, blaming me for being weak, giving me the thought that, "If only you were better at fighting (name the warfare) you would have all this now. It's really your fault." And instead of hoping in God while the war rages on I start beating myself up for not being a better soldier. I don't give much thought to outside factors, like in that story from Daniel...I just keep thinking, "Everything must be waiting on me, or else I would be content for now."

The other thing that keeps hitting me lately is I keep getting anxious about my motives. Do I really want (this or that) for the right reasons? Or am I just decieving myself? But when I look at the fruit of things, as you suggest, things seem much more clear. I find it so hard to trust that, though. In addition, I keep finding God seemingly trying to stir up desire for things I've lost hope for, things I've never had much hope for...and I'm sort of struggling with that. I keep expecting God to tell me, "You should give up on that and focus on this." But instead he only seems to be telling me, "You need to hope more, but you also need to submit it all to me."

I might as well include here this strange conversation I seemed to have with God recently. As I was musing about something I was afraid to pursue it was like God asked me, "Why don't you have any hope for this?" And I found myself thinking, "But Lord, it's too much to ask you for!" "Is it really?" "Yes, it's a long shot and it's only going to conflict with this other desire...I can't have both!" "But what if you could have both? ...Is anything impossible for me?" "Well, no...but I'm trying to pick one over the other. Surely I'm not able to have both..." and then I sat there astonished at my own lack of faith. I do desire both, but I find myself always asking God which I should aim for, so I can push away the desire for the other. I do that with a lot of things...I don't want to keep hope alive for so many things simultaneously, things that I can't even have right away. I want to focus all my efforts on the one or two things it seems mostly likely God will grant me...or the things I currently think I desire most. But that's not being very open to desire, is it.

Rocco Capra (Rohon) said:

Sarah,

I wanted to share some things, they are the things that keep me living "free", free from worry, doubt, confusion as I walk with Father on this journey through life

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