Waiting on the LORD?

[mikado5001]

How do we know if we are waiting on the LORD. I mean how do we know if we are moving on our own? Or are we prompted by G-d. This is in all things. Is it G-d telling me to do something or my own will?

I will use this example.

Say you are thinking about buying a TV set. How do you know if G-d is telling you to go somewhere to buy it. Or if you yourself are telling you were to get it.

OR

You are looking to meet a girl/guy. And you see an advertisement for a Church Singles Mixer. How do you know if G-d is sending you the advertisment to go to said social? And G-d wants you to go to the Social. Or you saw the advertisment. And decided for yourself to go to the Social. And that G-d wants you to wait awhile and not go.

[cymba22]

How do we know if we are waiting on the LORD. I mean how do we know if we are moving on our own? Or are we prompted by G-d. This is in all things. Is it G-d telling me to do something or my own will?

I will use this example.

Say you are thinking about buying a TV set. How do you know if G-d is telling you to go somewhere to buy it. Or if you yourself are telling you were to get it.

OR

You are looking to meet a girl/guy. And you see an advertisement for a Church Singles Mixer. How do you know if G-d is sending you the advertisment to go to said social? And G-d wants you to go to the Social. Or you saw the advertisment. And decided for yourself to go to the Social. And that G-d wants you to wait awhile and not go.

In the first...if I have the money I buy it...if I dont have the money it stays in the shop.

In the second i'm not sure what your asking as its saying something differant...it seems like your saying if we have realised God does not want us to go...do we? no we dont...its called the spirit of conviction...

rule of thumb...if God wants you to do anything he will open doors...if he does not want you to do anything, you will find either your way blocked or events happening that cause you to think twice.

[Marnie]

Man, what a great question!

For stubborn people like me...who go boldy where angels fear to tread...I count on the Lord slamming a door shut when I am someplace I shouldn't be.

My pastor says a moving ship is a whole easier to steer than a ship not going anywhere...if all you are doing is praying and not doing, it would be difficult for the Lord to move you in any direction. Even the Lord told Joshua to "stop praying and get up" at one point.

It's a given that 95% of G-d's will for you life is in His Word. I always use that as a rule of thumb. I think that He gives us some latitude in the other 5%...as long as we keep our focus on Him, and our lives reflect His glory, we are free to make some choices of our own.

[Guest Kwiatek]

You will have to forgive me, I dont have my bible with me to pull the verses up. but here is a quick answer to your question I apply for my own life.

In proverbs, twice in the same chapter. I believe it was chapter 3. solomen says both (not exact qoute)

that we determine our destination, but God determines our footsteps.

the second time;

we throw the dice but God determines how they fall.

so what is that saying? basically, we follow our dreams and follow our heart and God will determine how we get there, or how we dont get there. we take the chance, but God is in control.

so what keeps you from making the wrong choice in following your dreams? later in proverbs, and also found in places of the new testiment. It states that we should read the word of God, and gain wisdom. becuase wisdom will help us better use the holy spirit to discern from right and wrong.

we wont always make the right choice, but God has gave us the tools to get there. he made us all different giving us different desires. if we wish to follow his path, we must first understand what God loves and what he hates. Then we apply our dreams and ourselves to his plan and seek his will that way. in that sense God opens doors and walks with us down any path we go.

Godbless,

-Erik Kwiatek

(if you want the verses, PM me and I will look them up and send them too you)

[nebula]

You are looking to meet a girl/guy. And you see an advertisement for a Church Singles Mixer. How do you know if G-d is sending you the advertisment to go to said social? And G-d wants you to go to the Social. Or you saw the advertisment. And decided for yourself to go to the Social. And that G-d wants you to wait awhile and not go.

Well, I don't think waiting on God for your future spouse means you have to live in social isolation.

Singles Mixers can be a great way to meet potential friends - not just "the guy/gal."

Try asking the Lord to give you peace in the correct decision to make.

And if you find peace in "go" - don't assume it means you are going to find "the one." He may have another reason for your going.

Hope that helps!

[shepherdsgrace]

This is a toughie. But there are some answers that through the years have become reality to me.

1. The principles in the Bble must determine my responses to life situations. I cannot make legalistic rules. However I do have personal convictions about how to live my life and respond to certain life situations because of Biblical principles.

2. Peace is to rule in my heart. When my inner man is disturbed and worried or distrustful or upset or angry etc then it is time to think and perhaps seek the Lord. But it is not time to make a decision.

3. I am to trust in the Lord. I am to trust him to lead and guide my footsteps. I trust him to bring across my path people and situations that are life giving and sustaining and serving. I trust him to get through to me and when I fail anyway and or goof up then I trust him to turn it all to my good.

4. I work on my heart attitudes toward people so that I might be inclined to understand the leadership of the Holy Spirit who is my teacher and guide.

It is true that little is just plain like written on a bill board for us. But when we live to please him and trust in him and allow his peace to rule in our hearts we are a long way toward doing the right thing. I keep wanting to post more...write a book here. There is so much one could say on this subject.

God's blessings..........

[Marnie]

Man, what a great question!

For stubborn people like me...who go boldy where angels fear to tread...I count on the Lord slamming a door shut when I am someplace I shouldn't be.

My pastor says a moving ship is a whole easier to steer than a ship not going anywhere...if all you are doing is praying and not doing, it would be difficult for the Lord to move you in any direction. Even the Lord told Joshua to "stop praying and get up" at one point.

It's a given that 95% of G-d's will for you life is in His Word. I always use that as a rule of thumb. I think that He gives us some latitude in the other 5%...as long as we keep our focus on Him, and our lives reflect His glory, we are free to make some choices of our own.

95%? Sister, what Bible do you have?

About the only thing in the Bible that really applies to modern, day to day living is a list of thou shalts and shalt nots, do good to others, pray, have faith, etc. In fact, Atheists are often quoted as saying, "The Bible is one of the vaguest books ever written". Some passages simply say, "A certain person...", or "a certain levite", or "a certain place...", etc. In Judges we have like 2 whole chapters, in the story of the levite's concubine, where not even one person's name is given, and only one or two towns are even named, and if the story there were found in any other book other than the Bible, it would simply be considered a poorly written tragedy, or else a fairy tale, with no apparant historical or spiritual significance whatsoever. Keep in mind, this is coming from a Spirit filled Christian, not an atheist. I am simply telling the truth instead of icing over everything like people like to hear.

There's nothing in there that I know of that helps me make real life modern decisions, except in cases where one is "obviously" sinful and the other is "obviously" not. Beyond that, you may as well flip a coin. For example, I'm not even "sure" im supposed to be typing this, or even visiting this site. Nobody has called or shown up to interject that i do somethign esle with my time. Maybe I should be somewhere else, or shopping for a few new shirts. Dont know. Only real reason I came on here today is because i figure its "less likely" to be wrong to be here than other places, but I may be wrong on that point too.

Dang, man! I can see why you chose that nick name. I have been a believer for only 2 years and even I find the Lord's will for me in His Word! I can only assume either (1) You are just trying to start a discussion because your views are anything but Christian, (2) You aren't really a Christian, (3) You have not had good teaching in the Word or (4) You are just having a real bad day.

But, as I have been know to say, and I quote myself, you can find butts anywhere.

[Fiosh]

How do we know if we are waiting on the LORD. I mean how do we know if we are moving on our own? Or are we prompted by G-d. This is in all things. Is it G-d telling me to do something or my own will?

I will use this example.

Say you are thinking about buying a TV set. How do you know if G-d is telling you to go somewhere to buy it. Or if you yourself are telling you were to get it.

OR

You are looking to meet a girl/guy. And you see an advertisement for a Church Singles Mixer. How do you know if G-d is sending you the advertisment to go to said social? And G-d wants you to go to the Social. Or you saw the advertisment. And decided for yourself to go to the Social. And that G-d wants you to wait awhile and not go.

Hi Mikado,

There are some people who seem to hear God's voice with amazing clarity---I am not one of them. Ya know that Scripture passage, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." ??? With me, it's more like, "Speak up, Lord, your servant doesn't hear well".

It would take less than the fingers of one hand for me to count the times I was SURE that I knew what God wanted me to do. Right now I am straining my memory---I can think of exactly 3 times.

While I decide if I want to boar you with any examples, let me say this---faith is called a "walk" and a "journey" for good reason. Hearing God's voice (and this is MHO and only applies to me here) is not an isolated incident. It is a learning process.

Here's how I approach God when I am facing a major decision and need badly to "hear His voice".

1. I pray for a heart to truly want to know His will.

2. I pray for the grace to recognize His voice.

3. I pray for Him to reveal His will to me.

4. I pray for the courage to accept His will.

Then I begin to move in the direction that feels right. I gain confidence from the knowledge that:

A. God is all-powerful, He is ABLE to make His will known to me.

B. God is loving; He will make His will known to me.

C. God is my Father; He wants what is best for me.

D. God is merciful; He will forgive me if I mess up.

E. God is gracious; He will use even my mis-steps for my good.

I do agree with the poster that stated God opens doors when you are moving in His will. I've had that experieince many, many times.

All that being said, it is the all too rare occasion that I can achieve perfect trust in God's power and love. I often am anxious and worried. But those times that I can remember who God is........I am bold and fearless when walking in His will.

Hope that helps.

Love ya bro' ,

Fiosh

[shepherdsgrace]

I do so agree with Fiosh. It really is a learning process. I suppose we just keep learning until we walk right into heaven.....

[John3;16]

You are looking to meet a girl/guy. And you see an advertisement for a Church Singles Mixer. How do you know if G-d is sending you the advertisment to go to said social? And G-d wants you to go to the Social. Or you saw the advertisment. And decided for yourself to go to the Social. And that G-d wants you to wait awhile and not go.

Does God care what color shirt you ware, does God want to dictate every decision you make, I believe the bible speaks on basic principles of conduct, faith, witnessing, how we treat others, diligence in our efforts as to our occupation, and if the Lord is our master than we want to follow him, and become more like him. I believe there is a lot of value in seeking the will of God, and this you do by prayer, a good rule of thumb is would you do this if the Lord was standing next to you, or would the Lord approve of what you are considering to do, conviction of the Holy Spirit is the best guide we have, but many people become hardened and lose the leading of the spirit, most of us do at one time or another, but you don