Psalm 16:7, “I will praise the Lord who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me.”

This past Sunday I concluded our Dr. Suess sermon series referencing the book "Oh, The Places You’ll Go!" At the end of that sermon, I addressed our newest confirmands and reassured them that God has a plan for each of them and will be with them as they take their journey.

This morning I got THE EMAIL! It said, "I believe God has a plan for me, but how do I know what it is?"

Oh my! That is a hard one! I really wanted to pass this email and question on to Pastor Debra, but I have been kind of avoiding her since the green eggs and ham incident.

Actually, I have been asked this question before by some of our youth and it often comes up as they prepare to go off to school. First, I admire their dedication to wanting to do God’s will. It isn’t easy to know God’s will in specific life decisions. I’ve found it to be a process that usually takes much longer than I want!

Most youth I have spoken with have a dream or are passionate about something! I think they are already heading in the right direction! That is a winning combination. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 16:7, "I will praise the Lord who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me." In other words, one of the ways God counsels us is through our dreams and passions! The dreams of our hearts often connect us to God and God’s purposes. Indeed, if you can connect God’s blessing and your passion you will be sure to accomplish great things and have much to praise God for.

I have heard it put this way! The process of knowing God’s will for life’s decisions is like climbing a mountain. You begin with a vision of the mountain and a dream of climbing to the top. You may have a map and a compass and all sorts of camping equipment and supplies. And yet, as you go along the path you come across many forks in the path and have to decide which way to go. It can be quite difficult to know which is the better path. And often they’ll both get you to the same place, but by a different route.

As you get higher the hiking can get harder and your initial enthusiasm may diminish. You see a peak and think you’re close to your goal, but once you reach that peak you see that another peak is ahead. You’re increasingly subject to the elements heat or cold, rain or wind. And you continue to encounter unexpected forks in the road and still higher peaks until you realize - in wonderful ways and in challenging ways - this mountain you’re climbing is so much more than you initially anticipated!

When you’ve reached the top and hiked back down the first thing you’re likely to say is, "I wonder which mountain I’d like to climb next!"

That’s the way it is with finding God’s will. You begin with a dream or a sense of calling from God of where you’re going to go. You have a number of tools at your disposal to help you choose your path and guide you along the way and yet the way may still seem uncertain and you will surely encounter many unexpected blessings and difficulties along the way. And as soon as you accomplish your goal you need to find another goal to guide you.

Here are seven questions I found that may be helpful when considering God’s will for our lives. 1. What do I want to do? 2. What am I equipped to do? 3. What direction do I get from the Bible? 4. What counsel do I get from people I respect and know me well? 5. What opportunities have come my way? 6. What is good for others? 7. What is God saying to me?

I think that sometimes it is OK for me not to know what God has in store for me! Not knowing allows me to embrace each day that comes my way. I love not knowing what is around every corner. The mystery of life is what often keeps me going through the good and the hard times. If I knew how and when everything or anything would unfold in my life, I might judge whether or not it was worth it for me and forget God indeed has a plan for me.

And I love the statement; How do you make God laugh? Tell God your plans!!

Blessing on your journey,

Cindy