To Act or Not to Act

You ask a very good question and it is one of my biggest. How do you know you’re doing what God's wants and not what you want? There is a joke of a drowning man who is praying for God to save him. A ship comes by and tries to pull the man out but he tells them no God will save him. Another ship comes by and he says again no God will save him. A third ship comes by and again the main says no God will save him. The man drowns and goes to heaven. First thing he does is ask God why didn’t God save him and God answers, my child I sent you three ships.

Dear Tami,
This is a very good question that I struggle with daily, and that through interaction with a group such as this, I will be assisted in finding the answer.

I know that fear is the work of the enemy, and that with faith you can find peace and rest. Not being certain if my thoughts are being driven by the Holy Spirit or by fleshly emotions and desires, tends to make me feel uneasy, fretful and not sure of whether or not to take action.

I need help in this area, because I have several mountains in my life that need to be moved. Do I take action . . . . or do I wait?

Please advise.

Thank you for your time and attention.

This is a good question, as well as, a tough one. We should trust that God will guide us when we come across a situation like this in our lives. I think PRAYER is the key.

I think today's question is something a lot of Christians struggle with, including me! Oftentimes in our zeal and love for the Lord we run ahead of Him (and usually end up messing things up!) We all need to be more prayerful in discerning the Lord's will and direction.

What a tough question!!! How did David know to be passive in the cave, and yet not be passive here in this situation? I understood his motivation in the cave, but in this case I am not sure why he didn't just let the situation play out; God would have protected David if that was His plan.

Maybe it was David's desire that his son find no harm, and knowing that a coup would probably lead to a fight or to capture of Absolom, either one possibly causing him harm. So, ultimately in each case, it was David's concern for the well being of (Saul, Absolom) rather than for himself that directed his response in the situation.

That seems like a good way to discern what to do, in light of what God would want from us. Doesn't it?

Tami, I agree and am happy that God shares these parts of David's life with us - not just David's life but all other persons who have erred in the Bible. This shows me that God is telling us that no matter how badly we thing we have sinned, He is here for us and because He is faithful; because He is just and what He says in His Word is all true. We must have faith and trust Him.

From His Word, God is showing us what errors we must avoid and the best way to live our lives if we want to be near Him and for Him to take care of us. He does not ask much. Just "love the Lord thy God with all our heart, with all our might and with all our soul and our neigbour as ourselves." (Paraphased) If we do this, then all the other Commandments will fall into place. Yes, we will have trials and temptations. He will not give us more than we can bear. He also tells us that when "we confess of our sins, He will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1John 1:9 (KJV).

How can we discern whether or not we should take action? Take it to the Lord in prayer because He will make sure that we know how to act and there will be no cause for wondering if we overstepped. We have to truly believe that He is the God of ALL and He is mighty and powerful and all glory belongs to Him only.

My dad once told me concerning this question, "Pray as if everything depended on God, act as if everything depends on you." That expression has helped me numerous times when I've struggled with this concept.
I hope this expression will help others as well.
God bless.

I am going to point to one instance in my life, about 13 or 14 yrs. ago. I AM a recovering Alcholic. That being said, it took one instance in my life that showed me that I needed to stop before something really bad happened. I had tried unsuccessfully several times before. This time it took my husband (of 35 yrs this June) leaving to go to NC to get an inheretance. Long story but the short of it is, I thought he had left for good.I went into a bar that I frequented, threw my keys at the bartender and said "Keep them coming". After about 8 or 9 beers, the bartender called a friend of mine up. "I won't give her the keys, but you better come down here and get her. She won't like it when I tell her she can't have her keys." Well my friend came and got me, I don't even remember anything that happened that night. I woke up at my friends' house, and didn't remember anything. WOW!!! I had never gotten that way before. That afternoon I went home. I got down on my knees and made a promise to God, that if He saved my marriage for me, I would quit drinking. That same afternoon, I stood at my kitchen sink and poured two cases of beer and two bottles of hard stuff down the drain one by one, saying over and over, "I am never going to touch this stuff again." We serve a MIGHTY God, because not only did I quit drinking, I have a wonderful relationship with my husband, and my children (3) that I never had before. I have been sober since, not even one time do I miss it. God cured me. Thank you Jesus. So yes, God has plans and only He can make them take place.

I struggle with these issues, also but if we look at the big picture in the light of the Bible. David was THE KING of ISRAEL he had to think of the nation not consumed by his selfish desires . Wow taking control from God that is heavy we all do this when we are not looking in the light of the Bible . I think Mike has a good answer Pray as if everything depends on God act as thought everything depends on you.

I believe David had a problem going to the Lord. Not very often in his history do you see him seek gods counsel. It rains on the just and unjust alike. The difference being your walk with god, a Christ like attitude. asking him first before you act. trust the holy spirit to leed, then act by faith.

BJ,

Thanks for your comment/blog today. I have to tell you this is an area that I struggle with as well. I'm guessing we all do. So with that said, I don't have any specific answer for you. (Plus, I'm not a counselor or an advisor). However, I can tell you what's been helpful to me. When I'm struggling with decisions of this nature, I've always found that concentrated time in prayer, where I'm really talking openly with God about my fears and concerns, but most of all, my desire to be in His will, have been so helpful. God sometimes answers directly from the Bible. If it goes against His Word, then I shouldn't do it. Other times God answers through godly friends or my pastor. In addition, I look for a sense of peace from the Holy Spirit. And then, when I do decide to take action, it's really important that I work at staying focused on God so I don't run out ahead of Him (like I'm so inclined to do).

So keep praying and we'll pray for you too. Tami W.

I agree with Tami. You explained it so well! Thank you!

I also often remember a saying that a dear pastor used: Do the kindest thing. It often makes the decision clear.

First, we have to turn to prayer. We have to search the Scriptures. One thing I have found is that if you don't act immediately, God works them out. It is a struggle, but take it from me, learn patience! We always want it now, but sometimes, now isn't the right time.

I was working somethings out on my own (or so I thought)and the harder I worked on it, the worst things got! I was frustrated and cried out to God in prayer. His Word told me to be patient! To wait! As I trusted in God to provide for me and to make a way for me, He did just that! He showed me favor and showed me how to get myself out of my troubles. I have an issue with impulse. I have learned to WAIT before I commit to anything and it has been a blessing in my life.

Trust God and Seek Him in Everything!

Janice,

I'll be praying for you as you take steps in resolving your work situation.

Tami W.