Monday, September 17, 2012

The Mystery Of "God's Will For My Life"

Last week the CRTC announced their decision in regards to the vacant 88.1 frequency in Toronto. Trust Communications applied for it, but the CRTC awarded the license to fellow Barrie broadcaster Rock 95.

Rock 95 applied for an indie station offering exposure to unsigned, local talent. I can't argue with that. It'd be nice to see ToTell, Bleeker Ridge, Jill Jambor and Bob Charters get some radio love in Canada's largest market.

Needless to say the vibe around LIFE was pretty dark once we heard the news. We believed this was our time. Christian radio was going to become a reality in Toronto.

Thousands of people prayed.

Scott felt God's hand and calling on this application.

People prophesied that Christian radio would happen.

So what happened?

Scott wrote a post questioning everything leading up to the decision, and asking a question I think we all wrestle with: how do you really know what God wants you to do?

I don't think there's an easy answer.

I'm in the middle of a stage where I'm asking the same question. God, what do you want me to do? I haven't received a clear answer, and in the absence of a clear answer, you begin to look for answers in all sorts of things.

You seek wise council and they encourage you to pursue it. During worship on Sunday you get a tingly feeling, that must be God telling me to go for it. You encounter a roadblock and you think to yourself: Is this a sign? Maybe this is God telling me to stop? Maybe this is just Satan trying to slow me down and get me to give up? You begin to look for signs in all  sorts of places and pray you get a burning bush moment, or that a voice wakes you up in the middle of the night to give you a definite answer.

No such luck.

So what does God want me to do with my life?

I think unless God clearly speaks to you in one of those miraculous moments, it doesn't matter what you do. We need more Christians who are plumbers. We need more Christians who are film-makers. We need more Christians who are police officers.

I believe God is more interested in who we become, than what we do as a vocation.

He has given you talents, passions and abilities. If you use those in a God-honoring way, I don't think it matters if you are a lawyer, carpenter or mechanic.

So how do you know if it's God or the hot wings you ate last night? You'll never be sure. All you can do is look at scripture, make sure it lines up, and go for it.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I wish I had a better answer, but until I get my own burning bush that's the best I've got.

Thoughts? How do you know if it's God's will for your life?

4 comments:

  1. Dang. Sad to hear about Life. But I BET that means bigger, greater things in Toronto, and Ontario, and Canada than you guys thought of before. His plans are so much bigger. Quite frankly - as discouraged as you all may be - I am truly expectant, in reading this, that He is working out something better! Be encouraged and expectant!

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  2. "I believe God is more interested in who we become, than what we do as a vocation."

    I love that line. I agree. I once had a conversation with a friend who used to be in ministry. He's now in the corporate world. He said to me, "Don't we need more Christians who are leaders in the business world?" I agree. You need to follow your passion and do what you feel God has equipped you to do. Great post.

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  3. I love this! Stumbled on your blog after seeing the shout-outs on Perry Noble's blog and needed to hear this. I love this--"All you can do is look at scripture, make sure it lines up, and go for it." I think one of the biggest ways to show faith is by acting on hunches that we think are the Holy Spirit.

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    1. Hey Alison!
      Thanks for the comment. Have a great week!

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