Scared to Move

Ever been in that place where you have a big decision to make and you don't know what God wants you to do? Does He want you to go back to school? Write that book? Have a baby? Move? Good question. Are you living like you're walking in a minefield just terrified to take a misstep?

I've been there. I wanted to open my bible and find the book of Shannon. In the book of Shannon God reveals every path I should take to stay in His perfect will. (In the King James it sounds like this, "Shannon shall waketh early and beget time of quiet with coffee.")

Seriously though, every time I've had to make a major decision, I've spent more time frozen in fear than trusting Him. And the problem with fear is it's inactive. God's will is not a minefield. He doesn't send you out with no answers waiting for you to make a wrong step so things can blow up. This is a myth we've allowed ourselves to believe when we're scared. So, if it's a myth, what's the truth?

Truth #1: God does reveal His will for you in the Bible. The Bible won't tell you specific names of people you should spend time with, But Proverbs 13;20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. So, do you make time with friends who make you grow closer to God? Or do you tend to hang out with people who love to gossip and belittle people?

The Bible won't tell you exactly what job to take, but it will tell you what to do in that job. In Colossians 3:23, we're told, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," What would it be like if Christians really did this? It changes my day. Suddenly it's not about diapers or packing lunches. It's about working hard for my Lord.

God reveals so much in the Bible. He talks about how we are to live, what we are to value, what to avoid, and how to connect with Him. Why are we scared? He's given us enough answers to move.

Truth #2: God does give specific answers if we're listening. Sometimes I feel like God is silent when He's actually giving me an answer. The problem is, I don't shut up long enough to hear Him. Maybe it's that feeling you get when a certain decision is the right one. He does that. Maybe it's a door that's shut you wish would open. He does that. (He's probably protecting you from something on the other side) Maybe it's the wisdom a good friend just gave you. He does that. If you feel like you're the only one talking in your prayers, stop and listen. Allow Him to answer you.

Truth #3: You're not alone.

Another problem with the minefield myth is that we feel alone. Remember he said, "I will never leave your or forsake you" Joshua 1:5. He walks with us. He tells us what things are dangerous. He shows us the way to go.

Feeling like we're in a minefield limits the power of God. Of course He's bigger than our problems. Of course He's in control. If we know Him and trust Him, we have nothing to fear. Also, he give us brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't undervalue this gift. We are created for community. If you're not in community with believers, it's easy to feel alone, start believing myths, and lose faith.

So God's will isn't as much a mystery as it is an adventure. My prayer for you is you start that adventure today because he has a big plan for you.

Shannon