Following

"You know all those things you always wanted to do. 

You should go do them."

 

 

 

Its been an interesting thing reading through the book of Job.

If I’m being honest its been very conflicting to a lot of things I’ve seen/experienced/heard. 

Growing up I’ve always kind of followed the phraseology that “if something doesn’t work out, it must not be God’s will". Or “If this is blessed and working smoothly, it must be His will.”

Until a couple weeks ago when a friend and I were driving down the road and he mentioned something about going in with a family member to start some business they had been talking about for years. He mentioned how it was a huge risk but how they always wanted to do it and how if it crashes and burns then it must just not be God’s will. 

I agreed and then kinda felt some kick back. Then it kinda hit me, I don’t think thats actually true. I mentioned to him what I felt and he was like, that's so true. 

How often we just assume something hard isn’t Gods will.

The gospel, if anything depicts that following Jesus leads to ultimate peace. 

But ultimate peace in the midst of ALL parts of life.

Ultimate peace in the midst of complete chaos. 

Ultimate peace in the midst of sufferings, shipwreck, persecutions, mocking, miracles, blessings, martyrdom, beautiful friendships, betrayal of friendship, hard friendships, internal reflection, and a weighing of the most important things.

Peace, not from things going exactly as planned, but peace because Jesus’s name is Prince of Peace and He is Emmanuel, God WITH us.

The gospel is so much more than “a new car”, and a life full of Americanized blessings.

I am so thankful for nice things, for a job, for a car to drive.. and specifically a car I picked/wanted.

I am thankful for the options and variety of food we have to choose from.

For running water, of any temperature we desire, for water to drink. 

I am so thankful.

But blessings are not a sign from God saying “I approve this.”

And obstacles aren’t a sign from God saying “I disapprove of this.”

For a long time I’ve always been one who didn’t realize I thought like that, but I definitely wasn’t going to fight the “signs” I felt I was experiencing.

But we have to stop following the signs and start listening to His voice.

And I fully believe God definitely intervenes when you pray His will be done in your life.

And I believe He speaks clearly and affirms in little ways that speak to you.

But I don’t think He’s going to speak in a billboard something He hasn’t said straightforward in a sentence. 

He has a voice, and He speaks.

He has eyes and He sees. He has ears and he hears. 

His mouth isn’t just for looks. He speaks. And His word says that His children would hear His voice and a strangers they wouldn’t not follow. 

Peace is a promise.

Obstacles are also a promise.

And His presence is a promise.

His Word says that He will never leave nor forsake you.