Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Flat (01/03/13)
-
TITLE: Give me a word! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Garry Stopa
01/10/13 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Recently in church, a friend asked me to pray for him. He wanted to have more confidence in his decisions and to know God's will in some important matters. So, how do we know God's will in our choices and gain the confidence we need to run with them?
Several times, I have been in the same predicament. I have a heart for God. I want Him involved in everything I do. There have been times I have asked God for direction and the signal I receive is flat. Jesus came to break bondages in our lives and worrying over the right decision is bondage. I inquired of God on the matter and He revealed something interesting to me in the Bible.
The story is about Elijah, a prophet in the Old Testament. There had been a drought in the land and food was scarce. God provided Elijah with food and water alongside a creek. Eventually the creek dried up. The Bible tells us, the Lord said to Elijah, ""Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks." (1 Kings 17:9, 10 NKJV)
Take notice that God told Elijah, "I have commanded a widow to provide for you." This is past tense. The Bible goes on to say, Elijah asked her for some bread (v. 11). "So she said, "As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die"" (v. 12). Apparently she did not know the Lord had commanded her. However, she did end up providing for Elijah and received a huge blessing in return.
I have learned that the voice of God can be so subtle; I cannot always tell whether it is His voice or my own thoughts I hear. Looking to my past, I realize every worthwhile Idea I have ever had was His idea, even though I often never heard a voice. I realize by continually acknowledging His presence in my life, my decisions always work. Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to those who love God." Our passage at the top says, "He will make straight your paths." I believe even when I mess up; he still makes my crooked paths straight.
I ask God about everything. Sometimes I get a clear answer and sometimes the response is flat. If I do not know the answer, I choose what seems to make sense to me. I never have to worry about making a wrong choice.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I did notice a tiny typo--plain when I think you meant plan.
I liked how you started with a true experience that many can relate to. Then when you shared your experiences it turned the little light bulb above my head on and made perfect sense to me. You did a nice job of showcasing the topic all while delivering an important message.
God bless~