
Theologian Jonathan Edwards published his famous sermon “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” during The Great Awakening of the 1700’s.
In it he speaks of the possibility for mankind to have a relationship with God based on God’s will alone. In my life, I have observed another interaction between mankind and God’s will. It seems we live like puppets in the hands of a rigid God. I didn’t say we believe this about ourselves, but it is often the action our lives take. And it shows up in our struggle to know God’s will for the decisions in our lives.
We live like puppets in the hands of a rigid God. I didn’t say we believe this about ourselves, but it is often the action our lives take.
- Where should I go to school?
- What is Your plan for me?
- Which job should I pursue?
- Should I get married or stay single?
- How many kids should I have?
- Should I make that investment?
- Should I start this business?
- Should I say yes? Should I say no?
These questions have taken many forms over the years. Most of the time there is a “should” involved. Psychologist Clayton Barbeau used to say that we are shoulding all over ourselves. Now that’s just funny, and yep, that’s what we do.
How many times I used “I’m just waiting on God,” as an excuse for my own inaction and avoidance of risk!
It seems I was committed to staying put no matter what. Deep down I was probably afraid of failure and obsessed with making the “right” decision. How many times I used “I’m just waiting on God,” as an excuse for my own inaction and avoidance of risk!
Success would be the sign I had correctly heard God and failure would mean I had somehow missed Him.
When did this get so…complicated?
I could not move until I had some additional sign from God that the light had turned green; an obvious, declarative GREEN!
As you consider these questions for yourself, what do you notice about your life and God’s will from this possibility? Come back next week to continue this conversation with Go vs. No (Puppets Part 2).
Becky
An interesting discussion is worth comment.
There’s no doubt that that you should write more on this issue,
it may not be a taboo matter but usually people do not discuss such topics.
To the next! Best wishes!!