Nowhere Else to Go
by Jon Walker
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68–69 (NIV)
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Even if we don’t understand God’s plan, we need to respond to his direction. In fact, when we don’t understand God’s plan, that’s when we need to do exactly what he directs us to do.
Often, God asks us to make the choice to do his will before we know the specific details of his plan. That’s because part of God’s plan is to develop in us a trust of his character and his benevolence.
But this is where many people get into a battle of wills with God, wanting him to reveal his plan first; only then will they decide whether or not to respond.
But that’s not the way it works. God wants you to decide in advance, trusting him with complete abandonment, believing that his will is the best plan for your life, believing that he will strengthen you to do all that he asks.
You may not be ready to do that yet. God already knows your hesitancy. He will not be surprised by your transparency if you say, “Father, I’m not sure I’m ready to do your will. I don’t know if I want to do it or not.”
Allow God to strengthen you in this area. Tell him, “I don’t know that I’m willing to step out in faith without first knowing everything that’s going to happen, but I’m willing to be made willing.”
One reason God doesn’t give you the full picture of his plans for your life is that you may be overwhelmed by what you see; it may appear impossible for you to complete. But that’s the point—there is no way you can fulfill your mission without God and his strength.
Jon Walker is the author of “Growing with Purpose: Connecting with God Every Day.” This article is copyrighted 2010 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
