When was the last time you heard God's voice? When was the last time you had clear direction from the Father?
Jesus promises us as His sheep that we hear His voice. He is always speaking but often we are not listening. How can we follow Him if we cannot hear Him?
I was struck by a conversation that was taking place on Social Media yesterday. This particular Christian gentleman was asking for help and advice about what he should be considering when choosing which worship leader position he should take. He had been offered four roles at four different churches. The advice he received in response surprised me. "Treat it like any other job", "de-spiritualise the picking", "My number one consideration would be, is this a work culture I want to be part of?". Whilst this might sound like good advice from a secular point of view, trying to work things out this way only leads to confusion.
Proverbs 3 v 5-6 says that we must 'lean not on our own understanding.' but 'In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.’
God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29 v 11). Those plans were in place before you were even born. You were created for Him, to walk in His will and to fulfil your purpose and calling. He cares deeply about the decisions we make because God's desire is for us to walk out His plan.
If we take ourselves out of the equation and trust that our creator, the God of the universe knows what's best our decision should be easy.
Life is busy, and there is distraction all around us. But I go back to the first question I asked. When was the last time you heard God's voice? I am talking about those moments where He speaks gently to your spirit and you know it is your Father. When was the last time you asked Him what He wants for you and your decision was based upon that?
We need to be like the sheep who know the shepherd's voice and follow it. When God calls us by name we must be willing to follow. But we need to be able to recognise His voice.
Romans 12 v 2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Spend time with Jesus, and get to know His voice. Open up your Bible. It is a lamp to your feet (Psalm 119 v 105). By renewing your mind you'll know His will. This is His promise to you.