Considering change or something new?

Is there something in your life that you would like to do or accomplish, yet it would require a radical change? Is this thing something that has risk? Is it something that you might fail at, and are you doubting if it's something that God would bless? Are these fear and doubts holding you back?

You might appreciate the perspective of the spy's Moses sent into the promise land. First, God wanted them to research the details. Unlike you or me, what they had going for them was that God had already told them that they "would experience success and take the land". What he did not tell them is what they may encounter in the takeover. They would discover more detail as they became spy's (kind of like market research). The promise land was their salvation.

Sometimes I wonder if Moses did not plant seeds of fear in how he presented the exploration to the spy's. I think he may have mentioned things that instilled fear in them. The bible does not state this and I have no idea because I don't want to add to the bible, however read it for yourself:

"The Lord said to Moses, “Send men to explore the land of Canaan, which I will give to the Israelites. Send one leader from each tribe.” Moses sent them to explore Canaan and said, “Go through southern Canaan and then into the mountains. See what the land looks like. Are the people who live there strong or weak? Are there a few or many? What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What about the towns they live in—are they open like camps, or do they have walls? What about the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees there? Try to bring back some of the fruit from that land.” (It was the season for the first grapes.) So they went up and explored the land, from the Desert of Zin all the way to Rehob by Lebo Hamath." (Numbers 13:1, 2, 17-21 NCV)

All new ventures have risk and if you focus on the wrong things it will appear differently (negatively) than if you focus on the positive things. Also we should listen to what God says and focus on the potential success. If you concentrate on the negatives, your positive perspective will deteriorate. I know that you know this ...

In the case of the promised land, it was crystal clear what God wanted them to do. In your situation it may not be. So what do you do? I hope I may add some insight:

. When it's unclear, be sure it does not contradict God's commands. Such as not loving money, don't divorce, don't get into debt, don't allow it to become an idol, don't allow it to take you away from your family and godly responsibilities, etc.

. When it's unclear, God gives you options. You may marry a person of your choice, yet make sure you're equally yoked. You may have any type of profession, yet make sure it does not take you away from godly responsibilities. You may go to any school, move anywhere you like, however again, will it remove you from the things God commands in his word?

. If your venture aligns with God's word, and if we remain close and love him with "all" of our heart, soul, mind and strength. If we continue to be obedient (Jesus said if you love me, you will follow my commands), then why would God not bless your new venture?

Again and again, I say pray first, plan second. Don't plan what "you" want first, then ask God to bless it. Ask God first - what should your plans be? Research, investigate, pray, listen and "then" God will bring it all together for you. "Any" job or venture can be fun, involve ministry, and be enjoyable if you choose to make it that way. "You" create your territory, your territory does not create you. We make things the way we want to make them ...

If its still unclear and it does not violate godly responsibilities, go for it! However, remember that we reap what we sow and count the cost and evaluate the risk. God does not want you indebted to other men through high risk.

LORD - when its unclear, please give us discernment. When we are not sure, help us seek counsel. When we want to try something new, help us to remember to pray first, be patient and listen to your spirit within. Help us to stay in your word where you speak clearly and in black in white terms. May our plans never contradict your word, your will or your ways ...
IJNIP amen

Created over 1 year ago