For Those Who Pray.....

[breezy1077]

How do you know when you've gotten an "answer"?


For a little background....I've been wondering lately if I'm on the right path in life. So, I've been asking God to show me the right path. But I'm getting confused.

All the signs I've gotten have been in the form of "everything's going to be ok", but it doesn't tell me if I should redirect or stay on my current path.



ETA: this thread is not meant to spark a theological debate.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I wish I knew that answer as well. Sometimes, I think we don't see for looking. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes not so much, and I think that is the way it is.

I can say sometimes, I have a different feeling, a feeling of comfort/enlightenment. My mom passed away recently, and I had this overwhelming feeling of comfort and peace, almost like God was there with his arms around me.

Trust, faith, you will know.

Suzanne

 

[java]

Vote Obama.

I'm sorry I couldn't resist.
I think you may be getting an answer- if you are not satisfied with what you think you are hearing- to stay on the current path- then maybe inside you really know your own answer that it's time for a change?
It will all work out. The best part about a path is that chances are there are options to cross over to the other path along the road.

 

[Angelhalo]

Breezy you know we share similar religious beliefs. I agree with Java. Perhaps your feelings of confusion and discontent are the answer from God telling you to redirect your path.........Plus, when in doubt pull the book out. Look through your bible for information on prayers and how God answers them. You might find something that will help you understand what he is trying to tell you.

 

[mikedevilsyanks]

There is a book I read, It is called "Godwinks" . I don't remember the author, but you should look into buying it, you will be happy you did. it gives good explinations for alot of what you are referring to.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I have no answers for you. There is a secular song by Garth Brooks.... Some of Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. Hoping you find what you are looking for.

 

[All American]

I know that when I have received an answer to a prayer, it's been in a million different ways. Sometimes it's a quiet whisper to my heart. Other times, my prayer is answered through a different person. Maybe in a conversation, they say something that strikes a chord with me. Sometimes, I read something that gives me a confirmation of my decision. Less often but has happened is that a situation just falls in my lap.

On the flip side, I know that a prayer hasn't been answered or has but with a big "no" when my mind is so cloudy concerning the situation. I can't think straight. It's like I can't form a coherent thought around the situation. At that point, I approach the problem from a different angle and keep doing so until the aforementioned "quiet whispers" can be heard and felt. When I know the answer for sure, I can't deny that "good" feeling that makes me want to laugh, cry, or just be plain nice to everyone.

It's a tough thing, and I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

 

[debbieandroo]

Hey, Breezy --

I am so not a theologian but I really understand where you're coming from --

First of all, I think your uncertainty isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if it's making you rely on God more. If we were to bound through life with all confidence and surety, when would we rely on God?

Second of all, God doesn't want His will for your life to be some sort of puzzle - in fact, He wants you to know His will even more than you do.

Third, I love what Angelhalo says -- the Bible gives us lots of examples of God's direction in times of uncertainty. Two of my faves are found in the Old Testament - Ruth and Esther. Also the Psalms are great for focusing your attention on God Himself - I know that, when I do that, I really get a bigger perspective on my uncertainty [or whatever else is troubling me at the time].

Fourth, do you have any close friends who aren't necessarily perfect [like we all are on the DIS ], but desire to have a close walk with God? Since they know you, they could give you insight both on your situation and God's leading. I think, in our own heads, we can get so bogged down and forget the work God may be doing in our lives already. Just reading these boards, I know you have a special needs son that you love and cherish - what a work of God that is! Sure, his day-to-day care may be a puzzle, wondering what to do next, but your love for him keeps you doing the next right thing for him - then the next, and the next ....pretty soon you're realizing that you're following God's will for him and you. [Goodness, sorry to go on and on about that - but I really respect and admire your attitude about this]. All that to say, getting someone else's perspective on your life can be quite enlightening.

Thanks for opening up like this.

 

[debbieandroo]

I wish I knew that answer as well. Sometimes, I think we don't see for looking. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes not so much, and I think that is the way it is.

I can say sometimes, I have a different feeling, a feeling of comfort/enlightenment. My mom passed away recently, and I had this overwhelming feeling of comfort and peace, almost like God was there with his arms around me.

Trust, faith, you will know.

Suzanne

I'm really really sorry to hear about your Mom....

 

[PlainJane]

Vote Obama.

I'm sorry I couldn't resist.
I think you may be getting an answer- if you are not satisfied with what you think you are hearing- to stay on the current path- then maybe inside you really know your own answer that it's time for a change?
It will all work out. The best part about a path is that chances are there are options to cross over to the other path along the road.

I won't pretend to know the answer to your question, but I'll try my best to help.

I was visiting a church this past Sunday and something the pastor said really struck me. He said that he is always being asked "how do you know if God is talking to you?". His answer was " if you just have a fleeting thought about something you should do with your life, it's probably not God, but if it is a lot that won't stop popping into your mind, that's probably God".

I agree with Java, I think change is in order (not the voting for Obama part JK Java). One thing I would caution you on though, is make sure you're not running away from a tough situation.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

One thing that I have learned is to listen. Sometimes you really do need to be still and know that He is God. Other times you need to move. I have found that when I make a decision, God will either open the doors or close them, but it does hinge on me making a choice. Maybe you need to set things in motion and trust that he will make your path straight. If it isn't the right move, God will show you.

Another thing I have learned is to seek God, and not His will. When we are earnestly seeking Him, I truly believe we will know His will. Sometimes people go on a big quest to find "God's will" and miss God Himself. I have been guilty of this myself.

 

[minniebeth]

Breezy...I pray every day and I pray every day that I wish I knew what God's intentions for my life, my situations are. I continually wonder if my journey is on the right path. Sometimes looking back helps me answer and then I see that God leads us day by day where we need to be...the puzzle pieces come together where and when they need to be.
My faith has been challenged lately by so much sadness lately with different situations. They just seem to keep coming one by one. But the more I embrace, the more I am comforted.

I have to say though, that I was frustrated one day and had a freaky thing happen, and just had to laugh at it all! I had just read a book, fiction, a novel by Nora Roberts, Key of Valor (BTW, I do read things of substance as well... ) and the story ends with the heroine finding a key to unlock the fate of a God's daughters and her world is wonderful and ends all perfect. I wondered wouldn't it be so great as to find the key to a happily ever after.
That afternoon I went to Giant Eagle (our local grocery store) and as I came out to the car afterwards, I looked down to find that the key to by DH's brand new car had fallen off my keychain. I was SO thrilled to have it still be there, as it must have fallen off on my way in. My DH would be IRATE if I had lost it after just giving it to me recently. I was so relieved and then greatful to God, it was such a blessing to me! But then, I was thinking on my way home, that maybe it was more than a blessing, maybe it was a sign, symbol, message, whatever from God that HE is the key to all blessings in life.
I am one who tends to believe that not everything is coincidence and happenstance.
I try to pay attention now, maybe those little things are little letters from God, maybe they're not but get me thinking anyway...

Sometime you'll have to ask me about how I moved to Dublin....talk about a sign from God, it's a wild story!

Anyway, with faith, you WILL be ok and I pray for you to find your right path in life!

 

[Serena]

Sometimes you have to let things happen and just be patient. I'm learning not to force things. I've heard so many times that you have to make things happen if you want them. But the simple fact is, in my life, that if I had to "make" it happen, it didn't work out. I'm learning to let go and just enjoy the ride, wherever it takes me.

not that I've been able to let go of the control, I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it.

 

[Buckalew11]

I was visiting a church this past Sunday and something the pastor said really struck me. He said that he is always being asked "how do you know if God is talking to you?". His answer was " if you just have a fleeting thought about something you should do with your life, it's probably not God, but if it is a lot that won't stop popping into your mind, that's probably God".

I just want to say that while I see what he is saying, for the obsessive person, this could not be relied upon. They could make everything into the Will of God and be very, very confused.

Sometimes these can be very confusing times--trying to know what God is telling you. One of the best ways is to stay so close to Him that you KNOW His voice. One ways is through His Word. One way could be through fasting and really focusing on your situation (I say that, but have never truly fasted...).
Seek the answer from Him, be still and be able to hear Him and look to the Bible for answers. My preacher hates the ''plop and drop" method but I'm still use it. I have gotten some answers I wanted and some that I didn't want. I believe the Word of God is a Living Word and that is why I think we can turn to it for help and guidance.

If you ever want to PM with me, feel free.

 

[PlainJane]

I just want to say that while I see what he is saying, for the obsessive person, this could not be relied upon. They could make everything into the Will of God and be very, very confused.

Sometimes these can be very confusing times--trying to know what God is telling you. One of the best ways is to stay so close to Him that you KNOW His voice. One ways is through His Word. One way could be through fasting and really focusing on your situation (I say that, but have never truly fasted...).
Seek the answer from Him, be still and be able to hear Him and look to the Bible for answers. My preacher hates the ''plop and drop" method but I'm still use it. I have gotten some answers I wanted and some that I didn't want. I believe the Word of God is a Living Word and that is why I think we can turn to it for help and guidance.

If you ever want to PM with me, feel free.

Oh, I definitely saw how it couldn't always be applied.

 

[Buckalew11]

One thing that I have learned is to listen. Sometimes you really do need to be still and know that He is God. Other times you need to move. I have found that when I make a decision, God will either open the doors or close them, but it does hinge on me making a choice. Maybe you need to set things in motion and trust that he will make your path straight. If it isn't the right move, God will show you.

Another thing I have learned is to seek God, and not His will. When we are earnestly seeking Him, I truly believe we will know His will. Sometimes people go on a big quest to find "God's will" and miss God Himself. I have been guilty of this myself.

I could not agree more!! Very well said!

Breezy...I pray every day and I pray every day that I wish I knew what God's intentions for my life, my situations are. I continually wonder if my journey is on the right path. Sometimes looking back helps me answer and then I see that God leads us day by day where we need to be...the puzzle pieces come together where and when they need to be.
My faith has been challenged lately by so much sadness lately with different situations. They just seem to keep coming one by one. But the more I embrace, the more I am comforted.

I have to say though, that I was frustrated one day and had a freaky thing happen, and just had to laugh at it all! I had just read a book, fiction, a novel by Nora Roberts, Key of Valor (BTW, I do read things of substance as well... ) and the story ends with the heroine finding a key to unlock the fate of a God's daughters and her world is wonderful and ends all perfect. I wondered wouldn't it be so great as to find the key to a happily ever after.
That afternoon I went to Giant Eagle (our local grocery store) and as I came out to the car afterwards, I looked down to find that the key to by DH's brand new car had fallen off my keychain. I was SO thrilled to have it still be there, as it must have fallen off on my way in. My DH would be IRATE if I had lost it after just giving it to me recently. I was so relieved and then greatful to God, it was such a blessing to me! But then, I was thinking on my way home, that maybe it was more than a blessing, maybe it was a sign, symbol, message, whatever from God that HE is the key to all blessings in life.
I am one who tends to believe that not everything is coincidence and happenstance.
I try to pay attention now, maybe those little things are little letters from God, maybe they're not but get me thinking anyway...

Sometime you'll have to ask me about how I moved to Dublin....talk about a sign from God, it's a wild story!

Anyway, with faith, you WILL be ok and I pray for you to find your right path in life!

Love this! Sometimes it is the listening.

 

[chisnpeke]

Our oldest dog died at the kennel the day after we left for vacation. I had been having such a hard time with being part of a decision to put her to sleep...I didn't think there was any way I could possibly do it. I wanted her to go on her own. I was also having a hard time thinking about having to deal with her body after she passed, whenever it would happen. I prayed to God to take her in her sleep, to make the decision easy on us.

I got the phone call in the morning and felt relieved that I didn't have to make the choice and thankful to God that he made it easy on us. The kennel arranged to have her cremated and kept her remains there for us. Sorry for going on a tangent but when she died on her own and at the kennel, where I knew she was well taken care of, I knew God had answered my prayers.

 

[TLSnell1981]

All the signs I've gotten have been in the form of "everything's going to be ok", but it doesn't tell me if I should redirect or stay on my current path.

Things are revealed to us as needed. Have faith and trust........He will show you the right path.

 

[breezy1077]

Wow! First of all, let me say....hugs to everyone!

You have no idea what your responses have meant to me. I have recently rekindled my relationship with God, and never having been one to pray a lot - I feel like I'm still getting used to it all.

I think I have God's answer, but logically it doesn't make sense logically.

I'll tell y'all what's going on - you've shared so much with me....

My dilemma:

As y'all may be aware, DH and I are in the mortgage industry (ugh right?). Well after two years of serious upheaval in our industry, we are some of the few left standing. Most of our colleagues and friends have left the industry to pursue other careers. The last 2 1/2 years have been a struggle, but we believe that the ones remaining will do well. But lately I've been sick of the roller coaster ride this industry is on - and have been wondering whether to "get off" the ride and pursue something else.

The "signs" (or so I think):

So I've been praying - HARD - for God to show us the right path. Y'all may know this story if you've read my other threads, but....I was walking and asked God a question - will you help us? - that's when I saw 2 rainbows appear in the exact spot I was looking at in the sky. No rain, but 2 rainbows appeared. Someone later told me that rainbows are a symbol of entering into a covenant with God. Seems like a strong sign - but doesn't tell me HOW he will help - just that he will.
So I tell DH to get on Carreer builders and search for a job that fit our requirements (and did not put anything related to banking or mtg in the search). Well, out of 16 jobs that pulled up - our ad was one of them. Not an ad for our company - but the very ad that DH and I placed to come work for US. Weird right?
Then I did the pop open the bible and see where it opens - it opened to (I think it was Jeremiah) where it talks about God rebuilding and replenishing. I closed it again and opened it again - to Psalms (I think low 70's like 72 or 73) where it talks about celebrating the past.
Then yesterday as I was leaving the office - I stopped at a red light and prayed again for god to show me the right path. I looked down at the license plate of the car ahead of me - it was a Texas license plate. Our corporate office is in Texas.

So, logically my mind tells me we should cut bait so to speak - but some of the signs tell me that we should stick. And then comes the question of - are some of the signs just coincidence?

I'm just so confused right now. I can't imagine doing anything else. I love the mortgage industry - but it's so shaky right now.

What do y'all think?

ETA: the last 2 1/2 years have been filled with many obstacles - why would God have put those obstacles in place just for the answer to be to stick it out? Could it be because those obstacles led me to rekindle my relationship with Him?

 

[breezy1077]

Vote Obama.

I'm sorry I couldn't resist.
.

Ok, that gave me an outloud chuckle this morning.