By Shane Kastler
When trying to find God's will in a specific matter there are several questions that should be asked. In a previous article I addressed the question, “Is it Biblical?” In other words, is the decision you are considering making condemned by the Bible, either explicitly or in principle. The second question to ask is, “Have I adequately sought the Lord in this matter?”
Strangely enough, even though we may wish to know God's will, we don't always spend adequate time in prayer to Him in seeking it. Sometimes God reveals His will quickly, but sometimes we must persevere in prayer before we know. Have you done this?
The church at Antioch came to the conclusion that God wanted them to send Barnabas and Paul (also known as Saul) on their first missionary journey, after devoting a considerable amount of time to prayer and fasting. The Bible says, “While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:2-3)
Likewise, Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow who came repeatedly to a judge seeking justice. Eventually the judge granted her request because of her persistence. This should not be misinterpreted to mean that we can badger God into giving us what we want. But rather that we should patiently and persistently seek the Lord's will and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).
Are you facing a decision in life? Have you considered whether or not all of your options are Biblical? And have you truly sought the Lord persistently in the matter? If you are still uncertain as to what you should do, then perhaps you need to continue to prayerfully seek God's will in the matter. Or perhaps you should ask the next question: Has God ordained circumstances that are pointing me in this direction? This is the question that I plan to address in the next article. Until then, pray on.
A thought that occurred to me when reading your article on how we need to be persistent in seeking God’s will. I thought of Daniel waiting 21 days (Daniel 10). His answer was delayed due to God’s messenger meeting resistance. God chooses to work through angels and people; we are privileged with this responsibility. Our actions matter in that when we delay or are delayed, someone else’s answer to prayer may be delayed.
This helps me to understand one reason why persistence is required when an all-powerful God could instantly do anything. Delay can be for other reasons as well; no matter the reason, we can be sure that all of these things are working for each Christian’s good.
Posted by: Bill Hutcheson | September 10, 2018 at 11:24 AM