God doesn’t do multiple choice…
There’s a long-running debate among a few of my friends. We pretty much agree that God revealed His moral will for us through the Scriptures. And that He keeps His sovereign will to himself. We’ll have to wait ‘til heaven to understand all He was doing as we lived our lives here on earth.
But does God have an individual will for each of His children? Can we know it in advance? Will God whisper “Go to Auburn” in your ear when you’re hung up between “Should I go to The University of Georgia or to Auburn University?” (We ALL know what God would say to that question, right?)
I’m digging deep on listening to God right now. My next read is Dallas Willard’s Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God.
For instance, I know I hear from God when I apply the “Eli” approach. Remember when God is speaking to Samuel? Samuel doesn’t get it, so he goes to his mentor Eli and asks for advice. The third time he comes back to Eli (who like most mentors, may not have been the sharpest knife in the drawer), he’s told “Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (I Samuel 3:9-10)
Most of the time when I pray that prayer and ask “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”, I hear “I love you Regi”. I’m still in awe of the fact that the God of the universe hears my prayers and tells ME He loves me. I mean…that’s pretty amazing if you think about it. He so encourages me when He tells me that.
But what about the decisions we face? How do we sort out the “either/or” decisions?
I’ll confess that I can’t recall a single time I’ve laid out two or more choices and had God unquestionably lead me to one of those choices. I’m talking about choices where neither option is sinful…where it’s pretty benign from a spiritual and moral point of view.
I don’t think God does multiple choice. He pretty much leaves those choices to us. He gave us a brain. He gives us wise counsel if we’ll humble ourselves enough to seek it. He gave us a perfect role model in Jesus so we could consider what He would likely do. But when it comes to multiple choice, I don’t think He submits to our definition of the acceptable options. He’s “bigger picture” and a whole lot smarter than that.
I think God does open-ended questions. He loves it when I ask “Lord, what would you have me do?” He loves to give direction when we ask wide open questions and don’t try to put Him in a box. And He’s especially responsive to the “What would you have me do?” question when He knows that we’re truly willing to obey and do what He says.
Question: Are you willing to ask “Lord, what would you have me do TODAY?” And are you willing to obey His voice when He answers? Tell us about times you’ve done that. What did you do? What did God do?
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Responses (7)
Eli certainly knew how to give mentor-like advice in this instance. How often do we wait for God “to close a door” that we already wanted closed? What is a closed door anyway – isn’t it usually an individual finding a somewhat plausible excuse for moving a different direction that is easier. In my experience, God does tell us what He would “have us do” rather than close a door. That simply takes faith, patience, and reliance on the channels that God knows he can get your attention through. I like the idea of listening as Eli instructed. You’ll hear God’s voice through those who are close to you and most honest with you. Mentors and spouses seem to be the channel for me.
And, oh yeah, isn’t it remarkable when you listen and God speaks to your heart directly? I rarely hear “Go to Georgia” but I do frequently hear “I’ve got this.” Knowing that makes the next move much easier!
It’s way cool when we hear from God, act on what we hear, and then see His hand in the outcome of our obedience. I think that’s why we hear that we move closer to God in one minute of obedience than we do in a lifetime of sacrifice. Sacrifice is “one way”…it’s about “doing”. Obedience requires “hearing” and “doing”. You’ll read more on that tomorrow.
I really like your thoughts on this topic, Doug. In particular your closing statement: “I rarely hear “Go to Georgia” but I do frequently hear “I’ve got this.” Knowing that makes the next move much easier!”
He gives us constant reassurance whether it be with an “I got this” or an “I love you”.
Ultimately we are all still children who look up to our Father for his protection and reassurance. We always want to know that our Father has it together and it’s all going to work out alright.
We all want to feel secure!
I don’t disagree with Doug, but I do think that God wants most of us to go to Georgia…
With that said, John Eldridge’s book “Walking With God” provides some interesting angles on conversations with God. The one that has always resounded with me is that God’s voice is oftentimes “a gentle whisper.” We can’t hear it if we’re not listening, and we can’t listen if our heart isn’t postured to hear. If ever an argument can be made for the importance of regular quiet time and other opportunities to connect with God, “missing the whisper” is an important part.
Shifting gears from the pace at which many of us pursue life in order to slow down and listen to that whisper seems to be a common struggle. We pray for the wisdom of temperament, moderation, and self restraint.
couldn’t agree more Rob. I’ve heard it said “God won’t speak to you in a crowd”. I don’t like making rules for God (doesn’t usually work out too well!). But for me, I’ve heard His voice far more often and more clearly when I’m silent and still before Him; confessed up, prayed up, praised up, and ready to listen.
“I’ve heard His voice far more often and more clearly when I’m silent and still before Him; confessed up, prayed up, praised up, and ready to listen.” I like the way that you put that. Visually, it resounds. Thanks Regi.
Here’s what I love about this…The Regi Campbell who has it all together 😉 still needs his heavenly father to say, “I love you, Regi.” That’s really, really cool and that doesn’t get old.