Have you ever found yourself on your knees, praying fervently for God's guidance, only to find that when the answer comes, you hesitate or even deny following it? It's a common struggle that many believers face. We pray for guidance, for answers, for a sign, and then when it comes, it's not what we expected, or it's not convenient, or it's just plain hard. And so, we hesitate, we question, we doubt.
THE STRUGGLE WITH SURRENDER
The struggle with surrendering to God's guidance is as old as humanity itself. In the Bible, we see many examples of people who struggled with this. For example, in the book of Jonah, Jonah received clear guidance from God to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. However, Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish instead (Jonah 1:1-3).
Scripture: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.' But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish." (Jonah 1:1-3, NIV)
THE CONSEQUENCES OF DENIAL
Denying God's guidance or refusing to follow it often leads to unnecessary struggles and hardships. In Jonah's case, his refusal to follow God's guidance led him into a storm, and he was eventually swallowed by a big fish (Jonah 1:4-17). "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up... Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." (Jonah 1:4, 17, NIV)
THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE
On the other hand, when we choose to follow God's guidance, even when it's hard, we experience His blessings and provision. For example, when Abraham obeyed God's command to leave his country and go to the land God would show him, God blessed him and made him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-2). "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'" Genesis 12:1-2
Conclusion
Praying for God's guidance is an important part of our walk with Him. However, it's equally important to be willing to follow that guidance, even when it's hard. Remember the story of Jonah and the consequences he faced for denying God's guidance. But also remember the story of Abraham and the blessings he received for his obedience. Let these stories encourage you to embrace God's guidance with faith and surrender.
Closing Scripture: "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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Check out the message by Pastor Joe titled God Maps Out A Plan For Us To Thrive