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Forget About God's Will for Your Life

Posted by Amy Roedding , 02 November 2012 · 3094 views

Our small group recently went through Francis Chan's study on the Holy Spirit. The name of his book is Forgotten God. It was at a time in my life when I was questioning where God had me. I was looking forward to when I would be doing something that I felt was more important. It was at that time that we read Chapter 6 in Chan's book- "Forget about God's Will for Your Life." I thought that was an unusual title! The introduction begins with a quote from A.W. Tozer that states, And to expose our hearts to truth and consistently refuse or neglect the impulses it arouses is to stymie the motions of life within us and, if persisted in, to grieve the Holy Spirit into silence. I still was not sure where Chan was going with this. As I read on, I did begin to sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit as I read the following:

I think a lot of us need to forget about God's will for my life. God cares more about our response to the Holy Spirit's leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the Spirit right now, in today's decisions (p.120).

Chan challenges readers not to ask "What is God's will for my life?" He believes that we should be seeking "the Spirit's leading in my life today." This chapter was pivotal for me at this time in my life. I needed to quit longing and looking for the time when I would know God's perfect will. I needed to realize that wherever I am, that is the place God has for me at that time. The more pressing issue then should be, am I looking for the Spirit's leading in my life today, instead of yearning for "God's perfect will."

I am not sure where you are today in your life, but you might be tempted to just concentrate on the day when you will be an International Worker. You might be tempted to see that future work more important than what God is asking you to do right now. But as Chan noted - the decisions we are making today will be affected by our submitting to the Spirit today. I pray that you will be encouraged to be all there where ever God has lead you and to surrender as Chan notes, to the Spirit's leading with that friend, child, spouse, circumstance, or decision in our lives right now (p. 121).

Read about the book http://www.forgottengod.com/

elizabethcog and tiffanyhema like this

HmoobKuv

Nov 19 2012 03:24 PM

It is rare that pastors ever speak on God's will these days. They actually teach us to go and find it. Wait for it. Prepare for it. But the truth is, we should just do our best today to learn the word of God and live out the Bible.

Hopefully I find some time to study through Forgotten God too. Thank you for sharing and God bless.

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Amy Roedding

Nov 20 2012 09:37 AM

I agree HmoobKuv - It's a great read and a reminder of the work of the Holy Spirit!

Amy

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Jake Howard

Nov 29 2012 12:04 PM

Been meditating on John 15 lately and the thought of ABIDE constantly goes through my head. My wife and I have been focusing on living life in a way that keeps us drinking from the source of Living Water. Seeing it bear fruit in our lives with more open doors to others around us to pray with them, talk with them and show love to them. Just the other day we were told by a coworker that she believes God sent us here not for the job but for her. We are learning to live lives of single-minded focus and pursuit of intimacy with Jesus overflowing to sharing His love with those around us. Coupling John 15 with Colossians 1:24-29--We want to declare the mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory. Abiding reveals the truth of the hope of glory. Lost people will be found when they see believers living out this hope of glory, which is Christ, Christ, Christ and Christ! Just wanted to share some thoughts about what you wrote and how God is speaking to us lately.

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Amy Roedding

Nov 29 2012 03:14 PM

Perfect example - this one woman who knows you care about her and that she believes you were brought there just for her!

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tiffanyhema

Dec 12 2012 09:05 PM

Thank you, Amy. I stumbled across your entry today, and it is spot on what I have been dwelling on lately: "what is God's will for my life?" You have shed some light on this issue and have really taken a load off of my mind! I am going to refocus my energy on pursuing God in the moment and shining right where I am!