How can we tell?
How can we tell if events are merely a coincidence, or a sign from God guiding us? Some never sense that leading; others see a sale on toothpaste as an omen. Having seen God guide in amazing ways, I’m in the middle. Back in ’75, I planned on leaving California for a new phase in Colorado. Starting with a desire to go dancing about 8 PM in Albuquerque, nine separate events, all outside my control (well, apart from the dancing) combined to change my plans and landed a job living on an unused guest ranch in the mountains above Taos. Almost heaven for me. But better, I found a church in Taos that loved me back into the ministry, which lead back to the SoCal I swore I’d never live in again, to my wife and the ministry that expanded into writing and Christian education at the secondary and university levels.
At the start, I thought coincidence. Halfway through, I began to lean to sign. Now, no doubt exists that God nudged each of those events to shape the direction of my life, giving meaning and purpose and impact. Our spiritual vision seems to work best looking back. The key: we ask God’s involvement and direction with each significant change point. Jesus’ brother agreed, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15).
The caveat: be within God’s revealed will in scripture. But, when we give God permission to allow or stop it, if it continues, we’re within God’s permissive will. That means we have great freedom to move within his will.
One other experience that expands this concept of God opening and closing doors. Jerry and I embarked on an audacious ride to the East Coast in in our mid-70s. The trip began great, then I started to feel uneasy, unlike any other trip. We had a close call or two, some friction, and I wondered if God was whispering “stop.” Then in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Jerry’s bike failed and mine got totaled. Do we continue? We prayed, and put a fleece before God, that if we found a suitable bike in two days, we’d go on. Three days later, at a shop that was to buy Jerry’s bike, I found one that would work. But, outside the time frame. So we listened. Jerry sold his and flew home, I rented a car and drove home. We arrived safe. Would we have it we’d continued? I have no idea, but I want to listen to God’s whispers.
Kick Starting the Application
Do you make plans without consulting God and asking if it’s his will? Why? Have you seen those signs from God? How can you be more aware of them?