I often hear the following statements from counselees:
• I just want God to tell me what job to take and have it fall in my lap.
• I just want God to bring the right person in my life to marry and skip the dating process.
• I just want God to tell me his will for my life.
• I’m just waiting for God to change my situation.
Sometimes we just want easy answers. And we want those answers right away. We passively wait for God to miraculously do something or tell us specifically what to do before we act. In our fear, uncertainty and doubt, we become paralyzed and either can’t or won’t do anything until God tells us exactly what to do.
But God calls us to actively work out our salvation, seek him with all our heart and step out in faith, doing what he has already called us to according to his Word.
Philippians 2:12 (NIV): "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
As believers, we are called to actively work out our salvation. This doesn’t mean that we earn our salvation through our efforts, but rather that our faith must be alive and active. It requires us to engage with God’s will, to step out in faith, and to pursue what He has for us. We cannot sit back and expect God to drop everything in our laps. Instead, we must partner with Him, trusting that He will guide our steps as we move forward.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV): "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV): "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
God desires a deep relationship with us, one where we seek Him earnestly and wholeheartedly. This seeking involves more than just a quick prayer; it’s a pursuit that requires our time, attention, and dedication. When we face decisions about our careers, relationships, or any other aspect of life, we shouldn’t simply wait for a miraculous sign to point the way. Instead, God invites us to seek Him in prayer, immerse ourselves in His Word, and listen for His voice. In this process, He reveals His will to us.
James 1:5 (NIV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
God provides us with wisdom, but we must ask for it and be willing to apply it. Wisdom isn’t just about making the right choices; it’s about aligning our decisions with God’s heart and purpose. When we’re faced with important decisions, God expects us to use the wisdom He provides, weighing our options carefully, seeking godly counsel, and trusting Him to guide our paths. This is how we honor Him in our decision-making process.
Romans 5:3-4 (NIV): "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
James 1:3-4 (NIV): "Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Perseverance is a key part of our spiritual growth. It’s easy to want quick answers and immediate solutions, but God often works through a process. This process, though challenging, is what shapes us and builds our character. As we endure trials and challenges, our faith is tested and strengthened. We learn to trust God more deeply and to rely on His timing, even when it requires patience and perseverance. Through these experiences, we grow into maturity, becoming more like Christ.
The Farmer’s Work: Think of a farmer who carefully prepares the soil, plants the seeds, and tends the crops. He doesn’t expect a harvest overnight, and he certainly doesn’t wait idly for crops to grow without doing his part. In the same way, we must engage in the work of seeking God and making wise decisions, trusting that as we do our part, God will bring about the growth and fruit in our lives.
The Exercise Analogy: Imagine someone training for a marathon. They can’t expect to be ready on race day if they haven’t put in the hours of training, building up their endurance over time. Our spiritual journey is similar. The more we seek God, make decisions with His wisdom, and persevere through challenges, the stronger and more mature we become in our faith.
Engage Actively in Prayer and Reflection: Don’t just wait for God to drop answers in your lap. Spend time in prayer, asking for His guidance, and then take steps forward in faith, trusting that He will guide you as you move.
Set Spiritual Goals: Consider setting goals for your spiritual growth. This might include dedicating more time to studying Scripture, seeking godly counsel, or making decisions that align with biblical principles. These goals will help you grow in wisdom and discernment.
Embrace Patience in God’s Timing: Trust that God’s timing is perfect. Even when answers don’t come quickly or when you face challenges, know that God is at work, building your character and deepening your faith.
As we reflect on Philippians 2:12, let’s commit to working out our salvation with fear and trembling. This means actively engaging with God, seeking His will, making wise decisions, and persevering through the process. God is faithful to guide us, but He invites us to partner with Him in this journey. Let’s step out in faith, knowing that as we do, He will lead us according to His perfect will.