Question for Christians

I agree with what Momme said. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to us, but it's not for us to question.

Hello D.,

Stand still until God's will is clear to you. We can't hear God when we worry and panic.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

If the choices you have before you feel wrong, then follow your heart. How do you know what is God's plan for your life? You will have to fast and pray and live...... Sometimes we already know his will, but we don't trust God that it is possible. I would just stand still, don't make any decisions until you really know that this is what you need to do. Some decisions we make may not seem good at first, but when God is in your life it becomes clear about why you had to go into that particular direction.

Stay connected and continue to seek God's will, then it will become clear to you on what you need to do.

Be blessed...

I am not sure from your question if you are a Christian yourself or not..but I am assuming so...since you are seeking God's will for your life.
First of all...I would say that anything that God has planned for you is going to be in line with His teachings in the Bible. If you are not firmly grounded in the Bible then you will not be able to discern what is Gods' will and what is not. I have grown up in church....attended most of my life...but I do not feel like I am a " bible scholar" so I am never afraid to go to my Deacon or my Sunday School teacher, or my Pastor when I have questions about God's will and direction for my life.
God speaks to each of us differently...I have never felt that God has "spoken" to me in an audible voice...like a human would...but I do feel like He speaks to my through my prayer time...my bible study...and that He speaks to me in my "thoughts". I also feel like He is just a guiding presence in my life that helps me to make the right decisions when I am willing to slow down, think about what I am doing and ask myself what the right thing, biblically, is in any given situation.
I know I am not being very clear....let me give you an example:
Someone wrote a question here not long ago about a relative that was being unkind and saying things that were not true about the person writing the question. Some of the responses were rather harsh and "let her have it right between the eyes' sort of answers....my response...based on what I believe is the way a Christian should live...was to refuse to allow that other person to make her behave in a way that she would not be proud of. She was concerend about her children and how they would react to this less than kind person as a family Christmas gathering. I told her to use this as a teachable moment for her children...to show them how you should respond to someone who was being unkind. I urged her to let her actions speak for her...to be kind and gracious and behave in a way that would make her children proud of her. Do you see what I mean? Let your life be guided by the underlying principles of Christianity....love...honor...truthfulness.kindness etc.
I am sorry if this is long and rambling...I hope you can gain at least a tiny kernel of an answer out of this...lol.
God Bless You and Merry Christmas!!!

previous posters had some great advice here for you. I would just like to add that I believe we can trust our instincts, that is a tool given to us by God. Tune into your intuition and instincts. Your gut. you say that all the options you see right now you feel are wrong in some way. Well then don't act yet if you can wait just be patient. SOmetimes we force things by acting too quick, we feel like we have to control the situation somehow and DO Something. But I always say, let go and flow. Let go of trying to direct the outcome of the situation. Just go with the flow, no matter how hard it is, have faith, and wait to act when you have more confidence that an opportunity or a choice FEELS right to you

I was recently trying to decide whether or not to go with a certain baby sitter. I prayed, I sought advice, I prayed, and prayed and prayed and it just wasn't clear to me. I was expecting a door to close to say 'no' she wasn't the right person, or some clear answer through scriptures, others or my own heart to say 'yes' she was. Neither of those things came.

Finally, that very same sitter told me that God gives us free will and that this can mean that sometimes when we are faced with different paths to take, that it is really just a choice between 2 good, godly things. God can do his will while I'm on either path and I can choose the one I'd like.

I had been viewing it as more of a challenge, I guess, for me to 'figure out' which one was God's will.

I know that is slightly different because you mentioned both options being wrong, in which case you may just need to wait until another option arises (if you can). But I share this because it shifted my thinking and relieved my angst over having to find this answer that just wasn't clear.

It is wonderful that you are seeking guidance from God! I can't think of anyone better qualified to help in any situation! I have been in lots of situations where I just wasn't sure what God wanted me to do. I remember reading the scripture that says "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding" Proverbs 3:5 and the one that says "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33. I guess I feel like if you are trying to do what God wants, even if you don't have a clear understanding of what that is, He will work it out in the way that is best. Sometimes He doesn't take you directly to the perfect resolution without taking some detours that give you chances to grow and learn. But it's like that old saying, "The Hand of God won't lead you where the grace of God can't keep you." As long as you are trusting in God, He will see you through whatever decisions you make even if you make the wrong one. He knew the answer before you even knew the problem!
Good luck and God bless!
Christi

Like the comment below said, I'm not sure that God speaks to everyone in the same way. That being said, there are a few ways I've received messages from God in my life.
1. Via His Word - after spending some time praying and meditating on the issue or answer you are seeking from God, open the Bible and turn to a random page and read, or to a specific passage if one pops into your head. I've often heard of people knowing God speaks to them through specific Bible verses that just pop into their heads when they are thinking about an issue. This requires that you are well versed in His word, so always spend a few minutes a day reading the Scriptures.
2. Via music - I can't tell you how many times I've been praying to God in my car and have a song come on my ipod (that has over 500 songs) that just seems to speak to me in the right way about whatever is bothering me. That's God speaking through music.
3. Via others - God uses His people to do His works. Listen closely to those around one. God could be speaking through one of them. Speak to a trusted pastor or priest.

I'm sure there's other ways too, but those are just the ways I've experienced it or heard of other's experiencing it. Also, keep in mind that you may never know if you are on the right course of action that God wants. That could be all part of His plan, and you have to understand and accept that it will all make sense in time.

Best of luck, Merry Christmas and God bless.

D.:

I am sorry that you are going through some trying times!! How great that you are looking to God for support and answers.

When I pray about a situation - I take time to be QUIET and LISTEN...I know that sounds funky - but I do. I usually talk to God right before I go to sleep and dump on Him. I usually have dreams pointing me in a direction too.

Another thing that happens to me is my head FEELS like catches on fire (a hard burning sensation) when I am doing something wrong or am introduced to someone who is bad. I know that sounds funky - but one of my Best Girlfriends can tell you - when I met the man she was "in love" with my head caught on fire - I warned her. She didn't listen and he was bad news. She thought the first time was a fluke and then the second guy came along - nope. So now, she listens to me!!

My stomach is also in knots when I am going down the wrong path. I've left job interviews (when I was looking for a job - now I'm a SAHM) with the wrong feeling and didn't take the offer...kept up on the company and things didn't go well.

What I'm saying is God gives each of us a certain amount of control. He will guide and direct you - IF you are willing to listen.

Find a local church that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling - believe it or not - it happens....God will show you the church that is right for you...

Feel free to inbox me. I will be praying for you!!

Since you have two options test both of them against the bible. God won't ask you to do something that contradicts His word; so if one of the options clearly contradicts the Bible you have your answer.

One thing I do when faced with a choice and not sure what to do is to ask God to throw open the door he wants me to go through so wide that I can't help but fall through it; and close the other door so tight I can't get it open no matter how hard I tried. In other words, not my will be done but yours God. With this prayer jobs have materialized & disappeared, houses have sold or failed to sell - all pretty much out of my control, but well within God's.

One thing I had to realize is that I wasn't open to receiving. Whatever the issue is, be sure you are open to receive clues/hints from God that may point you in the right direction. It helps to write or letter or write in a journal & say how happy you are that you made the right decision, even before you choose. It puts your mind at ease and you're more open to receive the answer. Prayer helps as well. Pray about being more than thankful that God has shown you the way..
Good Luck

D.,
I think your ave got some great advice here. The onley thing I will add is that I too will pray for you. I am sure your going to do the right things!
Blessings
S.

Pray for God to give you a very clear cut answer that you can't in any way waffle on. Also read the bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 this is my favorite bible verse.

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.

we are in a situation where we can't buy a house for about another 6 months. but the house we are currently renting has been put into foreclosure mode. the woman is collecting our rent but not paying the mortgage. we are looking at houses to buy on contract which could be done a lot sooner than 6 months. we know what we want to spend. what we can spend. but there was a house. a perfect house. we wanted it so bad and could have just barely made it work. I prayed for god to give me a clear answer. He did lol. the offer we made was rejected with the response that they were appalled and had no counter offer lol. so there was our answer. Just pray about it. He will give the answer. It may not be what your looking for but that doesn't mean its the wrong answer you have to be open to what he says.

First you pray... tell God what you are feeling. Then you meditate and listen. If you go to your bible there will be an answer there as well. You can actually type your problem into search by saying "what does the bible say about xxxxx?"... and you can back up the voice in your head and heart with some scripture..... you should have a better idea of your answer after that. Pray before you read the scripture that the Spirit will open your eyes and make it possible for you to understand what God's will is for your situation and enable you to understand what The Word is saying to you personally.
I pray that you will get to the bottom of this and be open to really hear and know what to do :)

17=

For me, I believe in prayer. I would pray for wisdom and guidance. I believe that if you open up you will hear his response. Take some quiet time whether it be early morn before anyone is up, during the day if your kids are in school and your are home or the evening after kids go to sleep. Listen - it is hard to do and I struggle every day with keeping my mind quiet and open. God bless and pray that you will see a clear path soon.

I pray for God to give me a clear answer, to open a door or close it tight. Rarely is God's timing like my own so sometimes I have to wait for Him to give me illumination to the situation (this is God's way of teaching me patience and to rely on Him totally) . We tend to make up our own ideas of what we think we should do and like you indicated, you feel you have run out of options. With God, He never runs out of options for us, it's all up to Him and what His plan is for our lives. Be patient and pray for clarity and illumination over the situation. And, don't act until you feel the peacefulness that can only come from God when it's His will.

Remember that God never gives us more than we are capable of handling. Since I quit my job in March I have had to take a step back to see what God has planned for me. Example, I have been trying to get into Cosmetology school since March and every time I turn around they either lost my shot records or I have to re-apply for Fall Semester since I missed Spring Semester. Finally, when I got a letter last week saying they still didn't have everything I turned to God and said, "You must be trying to tell me that this is not the time for me to go to school." So, I have dropped the idea for now. I still have my application and everything in place- but my heart is not "set" on it like it was. Something else is going to happen for me. Another example, I had applied 2 times at our local Walmart. Never heard from them. I knew the hours would possibly contradict with my daughter's school hours- but I was desperately looking for a job. One day my dad called and said there was an ad in the paper for a Hallmark Representative at the local Walmart. I immediately applied and got the job. The hours are WONDERFUL. So, all that's to say...I thought I really wanted and needed that job at Walmart when as it turned out I LOVE my Hallmark job. If I had not been patient and just sat back and waited--I might have missed the Hallmark job. You've heard 'patience is a virtue'...as long as you are seeking what God wants for you-you will get an answer in due time. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I will be praying for you that you shall soon have a peace about the situation.

Trust your intuition or "gut feeling". Occasionally I have asked a question and then opened my Bible at random and read the first passage that caught my attention - often the answer was there. I believe you do know what to do - but sometimes the right thing is not the easy thing! Do what you know in you heart is right and trust in the outcome. God Bless!

the way i determine what god is telling me is FIRST you need to look in the bible to determine is this REALLY god? is what i feel he's wanting me to do in his bible as acceptable to him...if not, then it's you REALLY wanting that. if it is, then look further into it after reading your bible, PRAY, i've found when i pray, things just fall into place and MY ACTIONS will make the next move the way it NEEDS to be even if it's not what i WANT. I will also talk with surrounding christians like my dad for example (big time preacher of a small hometown church) if after my bible checking and prayer i'm still unsure i'll talk to my fellow church members and see what they have to say then i hush for a while, kinda like talking to a man, if you keep going on and on and on and moping and complaining, crying and pleading, and you aren't quiet long enough to HEAR and LISTEN to god speaking to you then how can he guide you? so silence yourself and he will some way reveal to you what you need to do, at this point you will KNOW it may still be like, huh? i really don't agree but ok.

also something my dad has said, is just like a child to a parent ASK WHY, its ok to ask god "why are you doing this and that you need furhter explaination, cause you dont' understand", he already knows that you don't but he wants YOU to come to him for guidance just like a child to a parent

Hi D.,

God gives us everything we need in the Word of God. That being said, God gives us the Holy Spirit for discernment. Keep your eyes on Christ and things are much clearer. There are times that we are at a loss as to what to do. Sometimes it's simply a matter of patience. Sarah was not patient with Abraham and forced Hagar on him and look at the trouble it has caused.

My first piece of advice is biblical. Consult three Godly people for their advice in your situation. Listen with an open mind and weigh what they have to say. Then check to make sure that it does not defy anything in the Word.

Prayer is important. God doesn't always spell things out but He does guide us and He uses others to help as well. He wants to hear our voice asking for what we need just like a parent wants a child to ask before they take things into their own hands. You say you have been trying to figure this out for years. Can you see where you have made mistakes in the past or maybe things have been against what God has said in the Bible? Or have things been clear to you as you've progressed through your dilemmas. I'm not trying to be confrontational but we really do (or at least should) learn from things we do.

Wrong is a very strong word. If you feel both options are wrong, I believe you need to wait on a third option. God never calls us to do what we think is wrong.

God's plans for you are simple. He wants you to grow you in grace. He wants you to glorify Him and He wants you to enjoy Him forever. He wants you to teach your children and grow them up in the love and admonition of Him. Everything else are just the tools to get you to these ends.....

Hope this helps.

God bless.

M.

I think the hardest part of prayer is the shut up and listen part...LOL. I have a really hard time with that.

I have had situations in my life that have been hard and stressful. I have spent time in prayer and born my heart to god. Even if you don't believe in God it sometimes helps to hear the problems out loud. Sometimes I'll be conversing with God out loud and all of a sudden I figure out the right answer because I heard the problem out loud and I just "got" it. That's the same principle as counseling, you have someone to talk about the problems with that is supposed to help you understand it and come to a decision.

It helps if you can just sit a while after saying a prayer and listening with your heart/spirit. When my husband and I knelt in prayer about getting married I got a loud resounding YES!!!! in my spirit, I knew God had told me so.

I had always told God he would have to hit me over the head with a 2X4 to get me to listen about getting married again. I was so worried that I would be bored with a marriage. I love to dance country and western and had trophies, I love being around people and socializing. I am opinionated and bossy so I thought if I got married again it would be hard to go through divorce again because no one could live with me very long. So God told me YES!!!!! loudly and strongly.

I often find that the answer will come in other ways too.

You can even just get a feeling to NOT do something. Like a bad omen feeling. Or that someone is hurt and needs you, I had that feeling one time in the middle of the night. I sat up out of a dead sleep and shook my ex awake and said "Something is wrong with my mom" , he, of course, told me I had had a bad dream. But that morning at work I got a call she had had a heart attack during the night. I knew what I knew and nothing he said could convince me otherwise.

My mom often got those feeling about us kids. My mom kept having nightmares that something was wrong with my sister. She lived across OKC, well on the South East side and we were on the South West side. She made my dad get out of bed, get dressed, and go check on her. She was running a fever of 105 degrees and had been crying for someone to help her. She was in the hospital for about a week and had severe pneumonia. It was the 60's so phones were not as inexpensive as they are now.

It's a long detailed story but I'll see how short I can make it. A dear friend was from Wyoming, Jackson Hole are, and really wanted to be closer to her family. Her husband was in agreement and they prayed about him seeking a job in his company in the Billings Montana area. He polished his resume, practiced his interview techniques, did interviews, but never got the job. They prayed a lot and God kept telling them "not yet".

Finally he had the perfect job come up, it was perfect for his degree, his experience, a nice pay raise, etc...he interviewed but God again said "Not yet, but the next job is the one you should accept" so he turned the job offer down.

There was similar job with another company that he found and it was in Billings and he decided to interview for it, he could go to Billings, check out the housing market, look at schools, etc.... The interviewers asked him what it would take for him to leave his current employer and he thought "I'll just make up an huge salary that they won't offer and they won't offer the job to me"...well, they called him the next day and offered him the job plus extra benefits. He was flabbergasted! He told my friend, this can't be right, I am supposed to stay with my company! They prayed and God said It's the job you should take. They sold their house in a few weeks, they bought a house a week after that and moved within the month after the job offer, all bills taken care of and no roadblocks. It was smooth and easy.

The next month after he turned the job offer down his old company they started huge layoffs and he would have been out of a job anyway he had gone had he stayed with his old job.

I have been right there in your shoes and was so frustrated that I intended to lock myself away until I heard from God. My Mama told me a sure fire way to hear Him, and it worked great for me. I have written it down (for anthology submission - it was accepted and published in THE WISDOM OF OUR MOTHERS), but it's pretty long for this space. If you want to e'me with your regular email address, I will attach it to an email. My email is ____@____.com Or I can give you a link for the book, or if you prefer to call and discuss, my cell phone is ###-###-####. Without knowing your problem and solution options, it's hard to give Godly counsel. I've been walking with the Lord a long time and learned a lot from His Word and Holy Spirit : ) Blessings, Grami