How do you know? How do you know what God is calling you to do in your life? Why does your heart light up when you think of the faith of your dreams?
In the last three articles, I asked you to do three things:
- Describe the current state of your faith.
- Describe the faith that you really want.
- Describe what you would need to do to have the faith you want.
(If you missed these, click on each item above.)
Your answer to Step 3 above is what I want to talk with you about today. How do you know what you need to do to have the faith that you want?
Most people know what they need to do to grow in their faith. They have the answer. Doing what they need to do is the struggle. The good news is that they know already.
I want you to celebrate that you know what you need to do. We are not talking about having a step-by-step plan of action, not yet at least. Having a general idea is something to rejoice.
When someone shares that they are struggling with something in their life, one of the first things I tell them to do is to pause and give thanks to God. I encourage them to be grateful that they know they are struggling.
When we struggle with something in our lives, God is disciplining us. The Bible teaches us that God disciplines us like children. God creates that uneasiness to draw us back to him.
The worst-case scenario is that we have sin in our life and don’t care. The Apostle Paul described such a state as God giving us over to our own desires. So, when we know that we have things in our life, or things aren’t as they should be, we should glorify God.
We can say the same about knowing that God wants you to have a greater relationship with him. If God has given you a faith-vision of being a better person of faith than you currently are living, then give thanks!
Sure, you may long to be that person already, but for the time being, relish in that God is calling you into a deeper relationship with him. Celebrate that your communion with God is strong enough that you know what God wants you to do.
Take time and reflect on why you know what you need to do to have the faith you want. Having an epiphany of faith is encouraging and inspirational. Here are a few things such epiphanies can imply:
- The Holy Spirit is working within your life
- Someone raised you in the faith
- Your devotional life has deepened your faith
- You have a relationship with God, and his son, Jesus
- God is still working on you
- You have an awareness of sin and righteousness
We could go on with this list. If you stop and think about it, having this bigger picture of what God wants you to do and be provides a lot worthy of praise.
While you are still on the path to your faith-vision, praise God along the way. Sometimes we get so focused on reaching the goal that we forget to embrace the journey. I celebrate with you as a fellow faith pilgrim, being shaped by God.