"I've prayed for so long to get accepted into school and for marriage. Now my boyfriend and I are seriously talking about getting married and I am almost done with my education. I feel overwhelmed. I know that I prayed for this, but now that it's here, I feel very unprepared".
How many times have we all had the feeling of being overwhelmed or unprepared? I know I have, constantly...even currently! We all have gone through areas of life's terrain with seemingly blind faith, no discernment and no real confidence and even hints of confusion; each of which does not come from God. How many times do we ALL experience this- both in the negative and in the positive? I'm not saying that my friend (or any of us, for that matter) should dismiss opportunities because we feel unprepared or overwhelmed; many times that's where true and concentrated faith must step into place. But we need to examine everything to be sure that we are walking in God's will, before we endeavor in opportunities or what we might consider to be an answered prayer. Scripture tells us that God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), yet how many times have we found ourselves in what appears to be a very positive opportunity, only to teeter regarding weather to accept it or not? I mean, if it's a good thing, doesn't that automatically make it a blessing from God? If it is able to make me happy, shouldn't that be the choice I make? Shouldn't I follow my heart and do what I think is best for me? If I prayed about it and it happens, isn't that proof that it came from God?
These questions, and others like them, I'm sure, are all thoughts we've pondered at some point in our lives. To us, it makes sense, but is that what scripture says? Actually, no. Scripture teaches the exact opposite. Instead of looking inward, we must look outward. When we consider how to be sure that a seemingly answered prayer is God ordained, let's ponder 4 things: 1) Will this opportunity give glory to God? 2) Does this opportunity Benefit others or just myself? 3) Will this opportunity build my character and faith in the Lord? and 4) Is this opportunity uncompromising with scripture?
When we receive from God, it is God that should be getting the glory. Not ourselves. It is His will that should be our main concern, to please Him and not us. 1 Peter 4:2 tells us to live our lives for the will of God. It may seem unfair to us, but remember, as His ambassadors and as His lights in the world, our joy is to shine for Him! In this way, others will notice His goodness in our lives and seek Him for themselves. That is the whole point! The Lord has chosen you and I to show Himself off! WE are his trophies. But if we become our own trophies, seeking our own glory, then we are in error of idolatry and of robbing God. "But I'm not seeking my own glory", you might insist. Well great! Let's be sure that we know what glory really means. Webster states that glory is to "be in high regard, honor, noticed, to receive attention for one's actions; distinctive; to receive notoriety". Are there any opportunities we've seized in order to acquire any such things for ourselves? I'll be the first to confess, "yes". There have been opportunities that have come my way which I've responded to as, "wait till "they" see this" or "this will definitely make me stand out". Am I alone? Did I just completely expose the nature of my true intentions at times... yes, I did. To be honest, we all have...we're human. But when we are asking of God, it must be to give HIM ALL these things. Sometimes, a good opportunity could be just as distracting and dangerous as a bad one, if the results take away from God in an effort (known or unknown) to add attention to our selves.
If we can positively say, "I know that this opportunity will allow me to give glory back to God", then that is wonderful. But don't go racing towards that opportunity just yet; let's examine who it will help. Now, not to discourage any of us, but we have to be so sure that our requests are with pure motives; meaning that they are not for selfish gain. James 4:3 calls it "asking amiss...for your own pleasures". When we ask, we ought not do so for our own personal benefit, only. Instead, we must be in search of how our prayers can allow us to be effective in God's kingdom. For example, I shouldn't run myself into debt and then ask God for a new job, knowing that I only want more money to acquire more things. Or, I should not see someone's new car and become jealous and ask the Lord to bless me in the same manner. It's immature to ask God for marriage so that I can sport a wedding ring and guilt-free sex and if my intentions for entrepreneurship are to collect my own riches without thought to those in need, well then I am praying amiss. Philippians 2:3 tells us to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but to value and consider others above ourselves. There is nothing wrong with going after things that will add to your life; but when your life becomes your main concern- when sharing, giving back, reaching out and extending assistance to others becomes a foreign concept in your attempts for opportunity, then that is a red flag and a warning that we are out of God's will. Regardless, however, if we are honest, we can look back and admit that there are moments when our intentions are self-centered, yet God allows us to have access to these opportunities any way. Is this because He is not concerned about our selfishness? Not at all. Many times, it is an opportunity to expose our true hearts to ourselves. He already knows what's inside of us. Often times, we are the ones who have no clue about the silent intentions that we privately cary (Jeremiah 17:9). If you find yourself being the only one who benefits from your opportunities and prayers, begin to ask God to show you how you can share your blessings and opportunities with others who may benefit more than you.
The third thing to considered when receiving opportunities or what might seem like an answer to prayer, is whether or not it will impact our growth and spiritual walk with Christ. In every area of our lives in Christ, we should be growing... not stabilizing, not maintaining and definitely not regressing. We should be moving forward in Christ, through our character and our faith. Every challenge, blessing and opportunity should contribute to growth in Christ. If we are not growing, then we are being hindered and hindrances in Christ never comes from God. We must operate with maturity in recognizing that not all hindrances come in the form of negative experiences. There are some seemingly good things that can hinder us in Christ! Examples of positive hindrances could include a new promotion at work that provides extra money, but requires us to sacrifice attending worship services or Bible study; a new boyfriend who distracts you from your involvement in Christ-centered things; even a simple TV show or movie that demonstrates un-Christ-like behaviors as if it is permissible or cute. These examples and many more take away from our growth and if we are not growing, then we most definitely aren't pleasing God. He will never approve of anything that will take our attention off of Him and sabotage the good work He is desiring to complete in us! 1 Corinthians 14: 26 tells us to only do those things that will build up our faith and character. Examples of such include attending church and Bible studies regularly, connecting ourselves in Christ-focused friendships, studying scripture and encouraging others, reaching out to those in need, looking for ways to show love and simply just shining our lights. These build our faith. These do not take away from Christ or his plan in our lives. Any seemingly positive thing that might hinder faith and growth is something to be completely avoided, that is in fact if we have resolved in our hearts to live for Jesus.
The last to consider when taking or not taking advantage of opportunities that might come our way is whether or not it is supported by scripture. Now, here is where it can sometimes seem tricky. What if the Bible doesn't say anything about a new car or social media or college or in-laws or house hunting or job promotions? What if what you are going through is not mentioned in the Bible? Well, it may not be mentioned verbatim, but trust me... it IS in the Bible. The Bible is so practical and full of every solution you could ever possibly encounter. From relationships, to business arrangements, farming and agriculture, philosophy, anthropology, philanthropy, finances, sex... you name it, it's in there! But the key is to actually read it. You cannot say, "the Bible doesn't explain this or that", if you've never attempted to find it. It's unfair to say, "the Bible was written in olden days. It isn't modern. It can't help me". Well, even in the olden days, people lived, studied, worked, got married, made babies, started businesses, went to court, threw parties, had break ups, had arguments, got arrested, created fashion, made investments, buried loved ones and received promotions . There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Scripture is the one solid source for every human experience because it was written by the One who created humans in the first place. If you have a concern about what God wants you to do regarding an opportunity or a prayer request that you feel is being answered, go to His word! He will never tell you one thing in scripture and then contradict Himself in your life. His will is His word and His word is His will! It will not steer you wrong. What's amazing about our generation is that you don't even have to be a Bible scholar to investigate God's word or inquire of His will! You can use the good-ole internet... how convenient! If you're one who doesn't know the difference between Genesis and Revelations, use Bible search engines like Biblehub.net or Biblegateway.com. You can type in any topic and they will automatically provide you with multiple scriptures to help you navigate your choices! We are without excuse. Media makes it possible to be in God's word, even when a Bible is not near by. As you spend time in God's word, He will begin to illuminate Himself to you, giving you confidence and faith in Him. Scripture will always eliminate doubt and confusion. It is the one stop shop for any answers you could ever have. After reading God's word, close out in prayer- asking Him to help you apply it to your life. I promise, you will see a big change if you stay consistent.
In our walks with Jesus, we are constantly called to make decisions for Christ: to love him through obedience or to reject him through our efforts of self-gratification. I wish so desperately that there was middle ground, but scripture tells us that there is not (Matthew 6:24). In our prayer lives, we have to be sure that we are aligning our requests with God's word, to assure us that we are in His will and that our prayers are pleasing to Him. We may not always receive the "yes" that we hope for, but we are guaranteed an answer that we will not be confused by. If you are feeling overwhelmed by circumstances that you have prayed for, seek the Lord to determine if in fact it is His will or if it was just a timely opportunity that you accepted due to your personal agenda. There is no need to feel ashamed. We are human and we have the habit of eagerly swinging the door open when opportunity comes knocking. But just because it seems beneficial doesn't not mean that it is God's ordained purpose for your life. In everything, we must seek Him first, before we take a step to the right or to the left. If you struggle with confusion over a choice or what seems to be a blessing, be assured that our God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Regardless of how appealing it may seem, consider if it is: 1) Glorifying God, 2)Beneficial to others and not just yourself, 3) a true opportunity to build your character and faith, and lastly 4) Uncompromising with scripture. If you cannot say yes to all 4 of these check points, then I suggest getting back on your knees and seeking the Lord. I promise, it is His joy to make His will clear to us! He will not steer you wrong and you will have a peace in your heart...without any confusion or doubts regarding answered prayer!
Seek the Lord in ALL things!
~Pearls
Inspiring and informative, you have inspired me by you words. keep sharing your precious thoughts.
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