After 700 years of doing what he was built for, he'll discover what he was meant for.
Wall•e, Pixar
I wonder if I get it the other way around, or perhaps not at all. I tend to think I know what I was meant for [...to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, Westminster Catechism] but am I actually doing what I was built for? That is, are my aspirations the same as God's goals for me?
:: Posted by atticus (July 5, 2008 11:11 PM)
I think too often we focus on what is his will for OUR LIFE, that we overlook what HIS WILL is. I like how Experiencing God puts it - we need to see where God is at work around us and go join Him. That being said, I believe that He gives us gifts to use in service and passion for different types of ministries.
There are many things that we should be doing because we are His children though.
:: Posted by Shane Vander Hart (July 14, 2008 7:52 PM)
...we need to see where God is at work around us and go join Him
I think that's the catch: I am not sure if I am supposed to go.
The background of this post was [is] that I would truly love to return to Africa with a missions group. I can see so many opportunities. Yet, following my last visit, God said "Wait. You have finished this part." Since then, I haven't heard the call to return.
So that's where I am. Living out my purpose (I have a good idea of what that is) at home but wait to see if God will call me to go somewhere else.
:: Posted by Jenn (July 18, 2008 1:04 PM)
jen, i'm going to go out on a limb and say is it possible you misunderstood what God spoke to you? Because i feel that His voice may be more clearly heard by the things that you love, like returning to Africa. It's interesting, you hear more often how people do not have these opportunities, in fact obstacles, and that is their interpretation of God saying DOn't GO. GOd's voice may be deep inside you, not outside waiting to be heard. already there. just a thought. i think that book may help.
:: Posted by atticus (July 19, 2008 1:33 PM)
The message of "Wait" was pretty clear: I woke up with that message my last Sunday in Africa and it was repeated during a women's retreat back home that I attended only at the last minute.
The "You've finished this part" came during my wind-down time in Spain. God and I had been chatting on a bench in a park. Perhaps it was more of an affirmation than a hold-your-horses girl?
I don't think the message was to never go back; it was don't go back yet (i.e. not if but when). I just have a hankering to go back sooner than later. And maybe the destination or the goals will be different: a new country, not working in the hospital, etc.
:: Posted by Jenn (July 20, 2008 9:04 AM)
oops, better late than never? sorry for the delay...i understand more what you are saying...and i think the whole waiting thing is so important. and hard. i feel certain it will be a time of more affirmations and strengthening for what is ahead for you.
:: Posted by atticus (August 10, 2008 7:26 AM)
i am reading a book you might find helpful in answering this question..THE CALL, by Os Guinness. it is wonderful. following the Creator's call, finding our passion, but following His call FOR US is key, and an ongoing quest for so many of us...focusing that call...