How do you know when god is doing the leading?

[OccupyChristianForums]

Hi All,

This is my first time posting outside of the introduction forum. So I am wondering how do some of you feel God leading you in life.

My current situation is that I'm employed at a Job that isn't bad but its not the one I want. It is not benefited but gives me enough money to enjoy the small things in life. In that I feel very blessed. For the last year I've been praying for and working insanely hard for a full-time job, one that I'm right for, but have been met with continual setbacks after bouts of progress. The longer I'm at my job the less passionate I've become about it. It increasingly is starting to feel it's become more tedious and I've become restless in the place I am in. Although parts of my job is good, there is no room for growth and ultimately feels like i will not be made permanent and my work is not leading anywhere.

For the past couple month's Ive stopped searching for new jobs just because of exhaustion from applying and continually having no progress being made. Recently I've been hit with the travel bug pretty badly. I have saved up a decent sum of money; I'm planning on quitting my job and going on an round the world trip. I've prayed for guidance in the matter and I've spoken to many non Christian friends and Christian friend's about this, received their input about my plans and most are generally supportive. There are moments of doubt where i wonder if I'm really doing what god wants me to do. My heart is filled with restlessness and the desire to leave to travel is pretty intense. The reason why this decision is particularly nerve racking is because of the economic climate I'm afraid if i leave my job it could be really long before i get another one when i get back.

I was wondering how do you know if what you are doing and planning aligned with God's plan. Can you give me some personal examples of situations and how God leads you personally?

Thanks in advance for your input!!
-Occupy-

 

[Emmy]

Dear -Occupy- I presume you are a Christian, and you will have heard that Christianity is also a loving Relationship, with our Heavenly Father. God does not force us ever, and if you like God`s advice, you must ask Him in prayer. Tell God your thoughts and worries, and then watch out for His answer. Keep asking God, and then watch carefully. God loves us, and we can trust God. God never lets us down. I say this with love. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ. P.S. Perhaps God wants you to wait a bit, don`t rush ahead.

 

[jannikitty]

The Holy Spirit leads in various ways. First of all, it really is important that you be reading the Word and in some kind of Christian fellowship. You say you have shared this with some friends who seem supportive and that is good. I surely hope they are the kind of friends who will tell you the truth.

Some things which help me determine and may be helpful are:

Does what I want to do line up with scriptures or not? The more I read and understand the bible or study it with others the better I can determine this.

Pray and simply ask the Holy Spirit (in the Name of Jesus) for guidance. (which, you likely are doing).

Ask yourself: Do I have a sense of peace in making the change or do I feel something else..like a lot of fear and anxiety? Doesn't mean that can't change..but does mean that likely time and more prayer are needed until I do sense peace about it.

What are my circumstances? Is this move unwise to do because of economic responsibilites or other things which I am committed to be doing. (Much to ponder about that).

Never act on an uncertain conscience, that is, until you sense the "rightness of the move." But, do be willing to make changes and step out in faith. Here a careful balance is needed between the two.

Also, remember that God is a creative God and the Holy Spirit leads people in different ways. So, no one but you can make the decision.

Trust God as you ask for the gift of discerning of spirits in this. In other words ask yourself whether this is only something you want and not what God wants..or whether it is of a wrongful spirit driving you into some kind of wrong move for which in time you'll have even more problems, or whether this is truly what God wants for you.

What God wants for you is always good although it could be difficult and challenging.

Read Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 91..as well as Psalm 139. All three help me always when deciding to make changes.

peace and prayers for your decision.

 

[Sketcher]

There are lots of false positives when it comes to God's will, but there are no false negatives. For example, when a Christian co-worker approached me about getting together for prayer after our shifts got over with, I knew God wanted me there. It wasn't something like an offer to go camping or play some video games and what normally goes through your head when you hear something like that. It wasn't an audible voice telling me that either.

Honestly, when seeking God's will in something like this, you have to think beyond your goals and desires. I have found that God doesn't have a whole lot of input on whether someone gets a Wii or an Xbox 360. He cares a lot more about how much we're loving him and loving people. If it's something self-serving like quitting your job to travel the world or travel the country, that's still you-centric, no different from a high-stakes "should I go to the grocery store or not?" It's easy to forget, but as Christians, we gave our entire lives to the Lord, so he has us "on call" so to speak. When he leads us, he calls us, using the Holy Spirit. I have found that even if it's something I have no problems in my mind with doing, it still comes across as an interruption and I have to get over the hump of making excuses not to do it. Why? Because I hadn't planned on it and it wasn't my idea.

I would therefore say this: Since there's nothing in the Bible expressly against what you're proposing as I understand it, it would be morally acceptable to do this unless of course you've got a wife and/or kids who are depending on your income. Whether you stay or go, you should be open to what the Lord says - not your philosophical or political beliefs as they are mere mental convictions, but the Lord, who will challenge you - and be obedient. If you stay or go, keep an eye out for who you can pray for, how you can love people, and how you can devote yourself further to God. That's where the Holy Spirit will begin to lead you. And my personal opinion, as someone who has weathered long seasons of unemployment even with money saved up is don't quit your job until you have another one lined up. You don't know that a job in your area for which you are qualified will be there for you when you think to yourself, "I need to get a job again." And if you've burned through your money, well, then you're in trouble.

 

[CGL1023]

One scripture comes to mind. "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." (NLT Gal 5:16).