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Standing at the crossroads...
Do you sometimes feel like Dorothy with the Scarecrow?
Do you sometimes feel like Dorothy with the Scarecrow?
Dorothy: Now which way do we go?
Scarecrow: Pardon me, this way is a very nice way.
Dorothy: Who said that?
[Toto barks at scarecrow]
Dorothy: Don't be silly, Toto. Scarecrows don't talk.
Scarecrow: [points other way] It's pleasant down that way, too.
Dorothy: That's funny. Wasn't he pointing the other way?
Scarecrow: [points both ways] Of course, some people do go both ways.
Sometimes we're in a hurry, sometimes we're distracted, sometimes we just don't feel like listening. But I believe God speaks to us all the time. And when we're talking about whether it's God talking or some worldly influence, it's not so much about what that "voice" sounds like, so much as the content. Does the "voice" sound like the Word? Do they line up?
In some cases, the line is clear, as in the case of being honest and kind to others, or in who we worship. But some of the harder things to discern are when you are at the crossroads of decision in accepting a new position, or choosing a mate. You can't open the Bible to Romans or Ephesians or Psalms and get a clear answer. For these crossroads, you must listen to God's spirit, number one. How you do that is a bit of a mystery. I know that, through diligent seeking Him in prayer, God can make things known to our heart and mind that seem unmistakably marked with God's fingerprint. Inner peace (or the lack thereof) speak quite loudly to me when making decisions that have no clear cut answer. God is really good at that, if you are willing to listen.
And even if you take the Scarecrow's advice and "go both ways", which may leave you feeling very confused and in a tough spot with negative consequences in your lap, don't despair. God is the master of turning our not-so-good crossroads decisions for the good. He wastes nothing. So, please don't beat yourself up over decisions you've made in the past. Think of how God has worked in the midst of that, of how you were changed even though it didn't seem to work out very well. Our life experiences are a complex weaving of the good, the bad and the ugly...but we do not always see the right side of the tapestry called our lives. Yet God is the artist -- He doesn't worry about what our life picture looks like on the backside. He sees the transformation of different colored threads and textures that are creating the masterpiece called you.
In some cases, the line is clear, as in the case of being honest and kind to others, or in who we worship. But some of the harder things to discern are when you are at the crossroads of decision in accepting a new position, or choosing a mate. You can't open the Bible to Romans or Ephesians or Psalms and get a clear answer. For these crossroads, you must listen to God's spirit, number one. How you do that is a bit of a mystery. I know that, through diligent seeking Him in prayer, God can make things known to our heart and mind that seem unmistakably marked with God's fingerprint. Inner peace (or the lack thereof) speak quite loudly to me when making decisions that have no clear cut answer. God is really good at that, if you are willing to listen.
And even if you take the Scarecrow's advice and "go both ways", which may leave you feeling very confused and in a tough spot with negative consequences in your lap, don't despair. God is the master of turning our not-so-good crossroads decisions for the good. He wastes nothing. So, please don't beat yourself up over decisions you've made in the past. Think of how God has worked in the midst of that, of how you were changed even though it didn't seem to work out very well. Our life experiences are a complex weaving of the good, the bad and the ugly...but we do not always see the right side of the tapestry called our lives. Yet God is the artist -- He doesn't worry about what our life picture looks like on the backside. He sees the transformation of different colored threads and textures that are creating the masterpiece called you.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Msg)
Love,
Joelene
Joelene
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