There is a lake not far from where we live in Sydney. I love to be able to go and breathe the air with all the scents of nature, walk for an hour then stop at the coffee shop and do my quiet time gazing out at the lake. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it? Yet for many years we lived near the lake and rarely went there. Life was busy and I had other priorities.
It wasn’t until I hit a really low point in life that I starting making these walks and time with God a priority over everything else. Sometimes I go and walk fast, talking to God as I walk and pouring out all the frustrations I’m feeling. By the time I get to the coffee shop I’m then in a better frame of mind and ready to listen as I read God’s word! Other times I walk at a slower pace, listen to worship music as I walk and I take time to pray for people I care about.
Many of my best ideas have come to me on these walks with God. And some of my worst thoughts have been put to rest as God gives me a better perspective. It is in these times, alone and away from everything else that distracts me, that I am a better listener to God.
There are many ways we can seek God’s direction in prayer. Some people love to journal while reading their Bible, writing down or drawing their thoughts and responses to what they read. Others find that fasting and praying helps them to focus in a deeper way, putting God before their own body’s desires.
As you seek God’s direction make sure you do some of the following things:
- Pray – both alone and with other people who want to see you serving God in the right place.
- Read the Bible – make sure that what you are considering is in line with God’s wisdom.
- As you pray and read the Bible, keep a journal of your responses and thoughts.
- Worship God, keeping Him at the centre of your thoughts for an extended time.
- Be alone with God and practice silence.
- Try prayer and fasting.
- Seek wisdom and input from more mature Christians you respect.
God’s leading needs to be more than a feeling. As you move forward in your missionary journey you will have times of doubt. These doubts can be overcome when you have a deep certainty that God is the one leading you. When you can look back at a journal, experiences or Bible passages that have been significant in your decision making, it is easier to face the doubts and struggles.
Next steps
Block out a longer period of time in your diary to spend with God and make plans for how you will spend that time.
