No Shortcuts

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

So I have a teenage daughter. I am learning new things by the minute. She is filling my life with laughter and terror all at the same time! It's a roller coaster, and I love it. This week I'm going to catch you up to speed with communication in the style of a teenager.

I'm learning that while texting, you can use lots of shortcuts like, ily for I love you. Idk means I don't know. Rn means right now. Shortcuts. Life is full of them.

There is no shortcut for finding God's Will. We often find ourselves with decisions to make. And we want to make the right choice, right? Of course! Moments like these are when we seek our Father in prayer for answers. Many times we have an agenda or at least a preference one way or another. I am ever aware of my fleshly desires, but I truly believe God's way is best. His way is what I am after.

Discernment is no easy task. We have to tease through our own feelings and the advice of others to try to see the truth. I have often heard we should seek God's will through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and circumstance. Your thoughts and ideas MUST line up with the Bible. If not, you are probably listening to your flesh instead of God's will. In addition to Scripture, you can seek advice from godly friends and mentors. Because these folks are grounded in God’s word, their advice is likely to be focused on Him. And lastly - PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. God will speak if you have put yourself in a position to listen. Circumstances will open up, or doors will close.

God, I pray that you would lead us to seek Your will and give us the discernment and wisdom to know the difference between our fleshly desires and Your perfect will.

Julie Smith