Seeking God's will for me

My husband Ted has always wanted to go back to Taiwan to retire.  He left to go there in April.  His mind was made up regardless of what I do.  He will be there whether I go or not.  He is very independent, and he has always given me lots of freedom to do what I want to do in life.  I had been uncertain about going.  I love America and this is my home for 40 years.  My kids are here.  I love being around them, they are growing up to be who God calls them to be.  I am so proud of them.  I do too much for them, perhaps more than I should do for adult children.  (again, it's my codependency and my Asian background) Regardless of how I feel, I want to do what God wants.  There is nothing more important to me.  So, I started the journey of seeking God's will.

I have learned over the years about seeking God's will for my life.  These are the steps I follow:

Surrender -- To want God’s will for my life more than my will for my life. God often does not speak until we are ready to die to what we want and listen to Him. “Present yourselves as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Rm 12:1

Seek Scripture confirmation – Pay attention to the scripture that just “jump out” and speak to me in my personal situation. Spend lots of time in God’s word, fast on the junk of the world so I can hear God properly. Remove all distractions, make time to be in His presence.  Say to Him like Samuel, "Speak, for thy servant is listening."  Jesus often got away from the crowd to talk to the Father, we should too.  “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Ps 119:105 God will not tell you something that doesn’t agree with the Bible.

Will I be more Christ-like? –It’s always God’s will to make us more Christ-like. It’s God’s purpose.  What direction do you think God is leading you?  What is it that you desire?   If it doesn’t make me more like Jesus, then it’s not God’s will for me.

Seek mature Christian counsel – Ask for godly advice from mature Christians who are wise in discerning God’s will and who have vibrant relationships with God.  We are not meant to walk this Christian journey alone.  “Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Pv 11:14 If I don’t want to tell people about it, why is that?  Will it be embarrassing?  Will it hurt someone?  will it be a red flag?

Trust my heart – As long as my desire is to glorify God (and not a violation of scripture), just go with my heart’s desire.  Give it a try!!  I trust God to close doors if I am going in the wrong direction. (God did that for Paul.) God shaped and designed us all differently.  We are wonderfully unique.  Is this consistent with how God shaped me and my design?  “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps 37:4

Overwhelming peace – I should feel a sense of peace and rightness about the decision I am going to make. “The peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Ph 4:7 “the work of righteousness will be peace and the effect of righteousness--quietness and assurance forever. “ Is 32: 17

Confirming circumstances – Watch for God opening/closing doors concerning doing His will. Opportunities and difficulties can also be confirmation that you are in or out of God’s will. However, this needs to be the last thing after God’s confirming words, because there can be coincidences that are pure chance.  Or there could be difficulties that God wants us to push through.  “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open.” Is 22:22

  Also, Apostle Peter saw the vision and then heard the knock on the door.  (confirmation)