I recently received a message from a former Bible School student, concerning hearing the voice of God and discerning His leading. She was struggling with something she felt God had called her to do, even though it went against conventional wisdom and the advice of godly friends. What should you do when you believe you’re following God’s leading, but it’s not working out? How should you handle this kind of disappointment? This is part of the reply I sent her.
You said that God told you to take on this project. It’s always hard for a pastor to give counsel when someone says, “God told me so.” When someone says that to me, I don’t really have any other choice than to say, “Stick with what God told you,” even if I believe it’s not wise. I will often add something like: “Just make sure it’s God that said it.” If you’re not sure, you should probably go with common sense. And if good, godly friends that know you well are encouraging you to go the opposite direction, you should probably pay attention. (Prov. 11:14 & 15:22) I do know that fear is your enemy. Don’t give in!
I wish I knew what to tell you.
I can tell you that God is faithful, even when it doesn’t seem like it.
God’s grace and provision are big enough for us, even if we do make a mistake, although this may bring needless struggles. He knows our situation and just how to take care of us.
Just as a word of encouragement, when the seas were rough, Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. He didn’t make it all the way. But as he began to sink, Jesus reached out, took his hand, and brought him back to the boat.
We don’t know if he took just a few steps or many. What we do know is that even though Peter didn’t “successfully” complete his mission of walking on the water to Jesus, he was rescued before he went fully under the water. And because he was willing to get out of the boat, Peter is the only other human to know what it feels like to walk on the water.
You definitely need to quiet yourself enough to hear clearly, but know that He’s always speaking to you. He may actually be wanting to talk to you about a different area when you are all concerned about this one. It may be that you need to correct another area before this one works out. Only He knows.
I believe God is still working behind the scenes here, in one way or another. It may be time to throw in the towel, or you may need to keep fighting. God knows the answer... and He’s not holding out on you. James 1:5 says wisdom is only a prayer away.
Jon Perrin Ministries
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