Circumstances

Many people go through life harboring questions, because answers seem to evade the ‘whys’ they have.  Not knowing can cause undo stress and doubt if the unknowns are allowed to consume a person’s daily routine.  Being in a quandary what to do next is the result of worry.  It is the effect of not trusting God. 

It would be great not to have questions, but is this not the nature of most individuals?  Learning to trust the Lord with all of our heart, mind and soul comes gradually as the Holy Spirit teaches us how to trust God.

Some people, however, are more prone to rely on circumstances as the “all seeing eye” to help them make decisions.  In my opinion, this is a helter-skelter type of existence, because circumstances are not foolproof.  At these disconcerting times a person can get into trouble by heading in the wrong direction. 

Allowing fate to rule one’s life is a full hearty way of fleecing the Lord as to which course to pursue.  It may only be the happenings around them that are taking place.  To take circumstances wholly on face value as signs from God is unwise.  Because something goes a certain way does not necessarily reveal the choice a person should make.  Things in life merely happen—or do they? 

I am convinced that God wants the best for each of us, and if He sees the need to use circumstances to reveal His plan, He will do so.  God expects us to include Him in all decision making.  But if a person should get off track and stray a bit, because they were influenced by the wind blowing from the West at a certain time of the day, God, in love, helps them get back on track.  Most often a lesson will have been learned on this short detour of life.

Was it God’s plan that they detour for a spell in order to learn a lesson?  I don’t believe so.  But God can use any situation to get our attention.  He strives to teach us the importance of listening to His still, small voice rather than the clap of thunder or the roar of the wind that are thought to be His voice. 

(1 Kings 19:11, 12) “Then He said, ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’  And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;” Vs.12 “and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”

I can say through experience that God is merciful, and His ways are made clear to those that truly want clarity of direction, whereas, impulsive behavior sometimes causes people to lose sight of God.  But He can use circumstances to redirect them back to Himself.  Whatever it takes, God is willing to do.  He loves us that much.

Perhaps you are like me at times, asking, “Why doesn’t God speak audibly and tell us what He wants?”  The answer to this ‘why’ is answered in three words, “Walking by faith.”  It is our ability to trust God and know that He will never leave or forsake us.   (Hebrews 13:5, 6) “…be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ” Vs 6 “So we may boldly say:  ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.’ ”

The important thing to remember is to walk in the Spirit and be in prayer, which makes it easier to hear the voice of God speaking above all the clamor and noise of circumstances around us.

Yes, God may speak to us through circumstances, but the words in the Bible provide a sure means of receiving direction from God.  If necessary, He will send Godly people our way to give sound and reliable council.  These individuals that are tuned into God will bring confirmation to something that He has already placed in our heart.

Peace comes when we put our whole trust in God and cease to lean on our own understanding.  When we put Him first in all things and pray these words, “Not my will, but your will be done,” we walk in the path of righteousness, and the Lord walks with us.  Jesus is our friend and Savior.  (Proverbs 18:24) “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 

I believe when we walk in the Spirit we can know that our steps are ordered of the Lord.  We need not rely on circumstances to direct our every move.  God keeps us on the right path, because He knows what we need.  When we stop, look and listen, while remaining calm, we see more clearly which direction is right for us.  Quick, impulsive decisions are rarely the right ones to make.  If it’s God’s will, He works out every detail and brings perfect peace as we move in His direction.

(Isaiah 40:31) “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

Written by,
Papa Boyd