Seeking the Will of God

I wrote this in 2020. January to be specific. It didn’t get posted because I was so sick. (Might have been the earlier C-virus). Finding it sitting in my drafts, updated it just this morning— November 4, 2022.

As I looked back at drafts that didn’t make it to the home page this one stuck out. I want to pray effective prayers. I want to SEE God move on behalf of Believers everywhere. I want to HEAR the testimonies ringing out louder than what the news and social media’s have thrust from the gates. I want His TRUTH to come out of our lives and mouths. If you’ve got just a little minute, the 2020 devotion is below.

“ I wanted to write yesterday. I wanted to start the New Year off with words. But, I remained silent most all day- sick with fever and body aches. Wrapped up with the thickest blanket we have, sweat pants, t-shirt, socks and thick hoodie. If you know me at all— and the major hot flashes I have- you know I was indeed sick to have all this on me and around me all day. Fever finally broke last night- thank YOU Jesus!

The Lord did some amazing things in 2019. 2018-2019 were two of the hardest years for me.

Health issues escalated to a point I had to leave the mission field way early. I realize now that I have to change some of my ideas of what ministry will look like for me/us. What I thought we would be doing for the rest of our lives is not exactly all God had planned. There’s more.

It’s way more than I/we ever imagined. There’s always been some secret dreams of ours- one we’ve only talked about a scant number of times. But never with anyone outside of ourselves. We hold this one close. We are waiting on God. We’ve learned over the last several years— more than ever— His ways and thoughts are so far beyond our own, as we have been continually seeking the plan of God.

I want to share a little portion from a YouVersion devotion by Charles Stanley, “The Will of God”.

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“As you journey forward, seeking assurance of His will for you, ask yourself the following questions carefully and prayerfully:

• Is it consistent with the Word of God?
• Is this a wise decision?
• Can I honestly ask God to enable me to achieve this goal?
• Do I have genuine peace about this path?
• Is this decision appropriate for who I am as a follower of Christ?
• Does this fit God’s overall plan for my life?
• Will this decision honor God?

When you can say “yes” to these seven questions, you’ll know you’ve confirmed God’s will.”

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As I have watched 2020 inch closer to us, I have been going back through some of my old prayer journals. All the way back to 2009. And in this span of time— I can see how God has orchestrated certain people in and out of our lives. I saw how His hand has guided our lives- and even our desires for more of Him. I saw how I grew. In the hardest of times.

I saw how prayers prayed have been answered. And, I see where I have prayed the same prayer for years—yet I have hope. Because- I end each prayer reminding God— it doesn’t matter what I want— “Father, You know what is best, what might become a stumbling block, and what keeps me close to You. Your will be done”.

It’s been in those hours of prayer that I have seen God work and change me. He’s still working.

It’s now 2020. I didn’t get to share this as it dawned a new decade. But it’s still early in the year. And God is doing some amazing things. I feel in my heart and spirit that the “more of HIM” we have sought is here. 2020. And today, I pray it with more urgency than ever— because we still have an assignment here— and there— whenever “there” might be.

Bolivia is still so very important to both of us — and there are so many other things I want to see God do. I may not get to do all the things I wanted. I may get to do MORE.

I prayed for HIS plan. And He has many other people in line to be part of this. They just may not know what they’re in line for yet. They may be like I am— in line, ready to do what He asks. No matter what- where- or when.

As 2020 dawned, I pictured God standing up, rubbing His holy hands together, gleam in His eyes, saying, “Okay y’all, get ready. This next segment is bringing all My children home.” (Yep, I just gave God a southern accent.)

What’s it going to look like? And how long is this segment going to last? Who knows. Only God. But we are set and ready to finish up what He began in us. The work He has called us to; leading more to know Him- the call to shine His light into the forgotten lives. The call to GO wherever He leads. The call to BE whatever He has lined up to fulfill His purpose. The call to DO whatever He desires and had planned since before we drew a breath.

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-13‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://www.bible.com/1588/jer.29.11-13.amp

Are your prayers changing for 2020? Are they more about Him and less about your wants? Do your prayers involve the word, “Yes”?

I want to leave you with one last quote from the devotion:

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“And finally, always be willing to do whatever your heavenly Father says—no matter how big or small, practical or unreasonable, easy or difficult, popular or unpopular, rewarding or costly.

Always say yes to Him.

Even when you don’t want to, are afraid, don’t understand His direction, or when it’s painful—remember that Jesus is the One who saves you, forgives your sins, sanctifies you, provides for you, protects you, gives you a home in heaven with Him, and loves you unconditionally and eternally.”

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I can guarantee there will be those who don’t “get it”— but trust the voice of God over the voices of doubt. He never fails.

And wherever He calls you- leads you— He will continue to guide and provide.

This year?… it just might stretch you.

Are you willing?

God is faithful. We have been able to lead and host teams every year since 2011 with the exception of 2020-21 (due to C-Bug). God is always faithful.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://www.bible.com/1588/rom.8.28.amp

© Angie Knight 2020. All rights reserved.

Quotes taken from YouVersion Bible App devotion by Charles Stanley, “The Will of God”, and Amplified version of the Bible.