Discovering God's Vision For Your Life

Last week I drew a diagram, in my message, that has led to quite a few podcast downloads. I will not draw it here, but the categories might be helpful to you if you are seeking greater clarity regarding God's vision for your life.

1. Passion. What burden has God put on your heart? Are you burdened for your family? Your marriage? Your neighbors? A group of oppressed people? A friend who is floundering spiritually? For whom has God burdened you?

2. Proficiencies. What do people say you are good at doing? Are you great with older people? Younger people? Are you good at teaching? Counseling? Caring? Technology? Leading? Making money? Organizing? Sharing your faith? Creating art in some form?

3. Pull. Who is pulling on you to do something for them or on behalf of them? The Bible is full of stories of people being called by God, through other people. A sense of calling usually comes from God through others.

4. Paycheck. We all have to provide for ourselves and others. How can you do what God is calling you to do and pay your bills? There are two mistakes Americans frequently make. One, they confuse their jobs with their calling. Two, they do not do what God wants them to do because they fear God will not provide for them. In the Bible God always gives people the what before the how. He calls them to do something for Him and as they step out in faith, He provides for them.

I hope these categories serve you well as you seek to discern God's unique vision for you at this point in your life.

#1 Most Asked Question About God

According to the Barna Research Center the most asked question about God is, "Why does he let us suffer?" This is also the most common reason given by non-Christians as to why they do not believe in God.

There are answers to this question about God, suffering and evil, but there is no ANSWER. People get hurt because of sin, life in a fallen world, stupidity, Satan and sometimes God himself disciplines us. These are reasons why evil happens, but it still does not answer our question exhaustively. God must have a morally justifiable reason we do not understand. If some guy came ripping by you on I-25 honking his horn because you were going too slow, you would likely get angry. If you later realized his daughter was in the back seat dying and that he was heading to the hospital, you would understand him much differently. You would believe he was justified in honking at you and speeding.

If you are an atheist then suffering is random and meaningless. If you are a pantheist then evil and suffering are just an illusion, which does not sell very well when you are in pain. Other options make God weaker, less knowledgeable or unloving. To me, the best option is Jesus. He did not give answers to all of our questions about why we suffer. Instead he entered into our suffering on the cross and showed us how God transforms suffering into something we will all, one day, say is worth it.

For more on this topic join us Sunday at Restoration Community Church (www.restorationcc.us).