Clear and Not-So-Clear Directions

The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” Jonah 1:1,2 (New American Standard Bible)

One of the things I see and at times stand envious of in Bible times is God’s direct message to His servants. There was no mistaking God’s call to Jonah. He was hand-picked by God for a specific mission. There was no question as to Who was sending him, where he was to go, and what he was to do. Things are not always so clear cut for us today.

I have listened to missionaries talk of God’s call on their life. At some point, they knew where it was God was sending them. From that time on they moved in that direction. Many times it takes years for them to get to the mission field but the call keeps them on course. Others know the job God would have them take. They sense His leading into certain fields. One thing is sure, once they are in the place of God’s choosing they know they are there.

There are times I want God to do the same for me! I want direction that is clear. Instructions that are understandable. I want to know that I know what He has in mind for me. But I am learning God is not tied into any one system of dealing with us as His beloved children. For some, He spells things out clearly. But for the rest of us we feel more like Abraham who knew to go but had no idea exactly where he was going. His was a daily journey of simply following God moment by moment. We might also feel like Joseph who had dreams (literally) and yet spent years wondering how they would ever come about. His circumstances did not yield proof of what was to come. Talk about a walk of faith!

In March of 2005, God gave me a verse during a time of prayer in the privacy of a motel room. It was 2 Chronicles 25:9b which says, “The LORD has much more to give you than this.” In one aspect, He has continually fulfilled those words in my daily walk with Him. But when I view it in terms of future ministry and service it becomes a test of faith. Like Joseph, my present circumstances yield no proof. I can often feel like the student at the back of the classroom waving my hand and saying, “Pick me” only to be over-looked. How easily I can put that human aspect on God and yet it is not true. He is not over looking me, ignoring me, or placing me on a permanent shelf of inactivity. He has a plan and He has impeccable timing. I may not see all that He is doing or understand His purposes but I can allow Him to develop in me a trust in Him. His Word and His hand are what I hold on to today.

Father, this journey I am on is built on faith in You. Help me to know that You will open the way for me to go. I follow Your lead. Amen.

Make Me a Servant - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rznoe3zKxM

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.