This is a question we are often confronted with when we face the crossroad of major life decisions. I must say that each time, in my own life experience, I have found myself returning to the same basic truth and that is; God’s will is not a mystery and God does not make it hard for us to figure it out. Certainly, the call of God will ask us to demonstrate faith in ways that might seem illogical at times, however, the CALL of God and knowing the WILL of God are two different things. Yes, REALLY.
You see, the call of God is an INVITATION. It is a call to simply trust what God is presently showing, speaking or providing you. With each call comes a measure of faith to step out in to receive what you believe God is calling you to. As you seek God in each circumstance you should be praying for discernment about what he has already shown you and NOT about what his will is about the matter. In circumstances like these, you may find that God’s will has already been made apparent although, it is usually the “shades of gray” or additional details that prayer will need to clarify. Realize though, these vague details are matters you couldn’t do anything with even if you wanted to. So they are not important. Although, too often we become stagnant in the steps of faith we should be taking due to fears of failure and what we perceive as the bigger picture. This is how many visions from God become aborted because we fearfully carry more than what we can handle when the only burden we were meant to carry was simply to trust God, move by faith, and allow the rest to unfold.
The call of God that comes as an invitation upon your heart will require you to only work with what you have been given. To follow what you have been shown. As more is revealed, exercise the same process. That’s it! The wisdom we gain from these experiences are priceless and that’s why they are a DIVINE PROCESS. The walk of faith associated with the call of God is more than often an unforeseen plan and most definitely not a cookie cutter process. It will very likely be a questionable journey, hence, our need to trust in God and have faith in what he has shown.
On the other hand, knowing the WILL of God is simple and far less risky. It is simply to consider the wisdom He has already provided for your daily walk and that is found in the word of God (Holy Bible). For example, the Bible forbids stealing; since God has clearly spoken on the issue, we know it is not His will for us to rob a bank for our daily provision—we don’t even need to pray about it much like the question of should I work for a living to provide for my family etc. I believe the hard reality in all this is that if we truly examine our heart we may find that in the cases where we feel that knowing the will of God is difficult, it is usually because we are wrestling more with wanting to do things our own way instead of God’s way.
Let’s face it. God gave us His word so that life would not be so complicated and this would apply to even the very basic things in life. Even further, He also gave us His Holy Spirit to comfort, counsel and guide us into all truth. So I would say, when we examine the resources, we have been well equipped for this journey of faith. The bible also tells us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed” Prov. 15:22.
Yes! On top of everything God has already provided, godly counsel as another resource we can utilize. When we seek out godly, wise counsel we can be affirmed by God’s word through our trusted peers and respected spiritual leaders and with today’s hi-tech, social media society we can obtain this fairly easily. Realize that life doesn’t have to be as confusing as it may seem. Although, when it is, it is usually for two reasons. 1) Because we chose to follow our own wisdom instead of God’s, or we trust more in what we felt we needed instead of what God says we need. 2) The call of God will lead us into a wilderness where our peace and confidence will be found in him ALONE. These are times when faith does not route an easy way around but will require you to go through. These are probably some of your greatest seasons of spiritual growth and the fruit will later testify of it. So don’t be afraid to go in faith.
You know, Jesus meant it when he said: “I will never leave you” (Matt. 28:10). We can be certain of this because God’s wisdom is liberally given to us (James 1:5). His Holy Spirit is committed to reminding us of His will (John 14:26) and for many, no matter where we are on the planet, God’s word is daily at our disposal to search out and ultimately write it upon our heart.
Karen Gaithers-Life Discipleship 
Right now I am grappling with frustration in not being able to advance on the job. I’ve been there 17 years and have applied for many positions. My current position has been stressful and unhappy for 5 years. I’ve spent my entire time there trying to get out. It is difficult to stay positive, have faith and remain hopeful when I see others easily getting what I can’t.
Often I am wondering if there’s something I’ve done, if there’s a lesson he’s trying to teach me, am I worthy? Why can’t I have what I am trying to attain? Why is this supposed to be it for me?
I won’t profess to be a Christian, and sometimes have questions about things. That’s not to say I don’t believe, just that I have questions. It is hard to resign myself to letting go and letting God handle it. My view is that while you “be still” there are still things you need to do on your end. It is very difficult to be still when you’ve waited as it is. At 52 years old, I don’t feel that I have a lot of time to accomplish and enjoy the goals I set for myself.
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Thanks so much for sharing. Determining the will of God is an ongoing experience in our lives. It’s often in these frustrating transition seasons in our lives that will draw us to our Heavenly Father. Somehow I think that’s what it was designed for so we might discover Him. It is apparent you are committed and faithful, by nature. An admirable attribute and something any employer should value and appreciate. Throughout the 17 years that you have work for your company it is not clear what steps of faith you have stepped out in to prepare yourself to be considered by an employer who recognize and value our gifts and talents. Part of the pain we experience when we are trying to achieve our dreams is a result of not being open enough to the various ways in which God could be accomplishing it in our lives. Sometimes we become stuck in only seeing things our way. In that process we hit a wall. When we hit this wall often enough it will be the substance to fuel the frustration that will produce the courage and faith God desires us to walk in.
When we become aligned to the way God is moving, we will often experience His favor and grace that positions us for the breakthrough we are seeking. What is encouraging in all this is that God’s love and goodness is relentless in pursuing us. So whether it is 10 days later or 10 years later when we finally hear Him and understand His leading, the blessing still awaits us! Be encouraged. I believe our conversation today is also a part of God’s plan which means He still has a plan for YOU.
If you like, I’d be happy to send you a publication entitled, “10 Ways to Hear from God.” Thought you might find this helpful as well.
Be Blessed!
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“Throughout the 17 years that you have work for your company, it is not clear what steps of faith you have stepped out in to prepare yourself to be considered by an employer who recognizes and value our gifts and talents.”
I hope that I understand what you asked/stated in the statement above. I’ve applied for over 30 positions, talked to management, human resources and so on. I’ve also begun looking at other companies. There’s some level of apprehension about leaving, but more fear at the thought of not pursuing my dream/goals. Currently, I am finishing my associate degree with plans to transfer.
Hopefully, it won’t take me 10 years to hear him or understand where he wants me to go. LOL! Being still is really the hardest. Yes, I’d be interested in reading the publication.
Thank you and stay blessed as well.
Monica
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