Ask and You Shall Receive
Discerning God’s will can be complicated when someone is not engaged in a moral decision. Most moral decisions are relatively easy. What would Jesus do? Go, and do likewise. Other decisions are more difficult.
Do I take this job or another? Should I move to another location and be far away from family, or not? Should I become an engineer or follow my dream to coach?
I once heard a talk by a wonderful teaching priest, Fr. John Hampsch CMF, addressing this very topic. His thoughts penetrated and when I later found myself at a life crossroad, I knew exactly how to proceed. I received an undeniable sign of God’s will and never looked back.
Fr. Hampsch’s suggestion was simple. Pray for a sign from God. The idea is straightforward. If God is calling a person to make a radical change in their life that affects family, relationships, and even economic stability – ask for a sign that confirms the call.
Before one decides to jump off a cliff in obedience to God’s will, one had better be sure it is based on a clear sign from God!
Something More That Sailors Know
A maritime example illustrates the next point. If Jesus is at the rudder of your ship because you want Him to steer, there is one very important thing you must do. You must get the ship moving! Once it is moving, then Jesus can use the rudder to steer you to His desired destination.
How do I move, when which way I should go is precisely what I need to discern?
Move in a direction that gives you more information, but move cautiously to ensure most options remain viable. Engage in research and the help of other aids or persons, always looking for that sign from God that doors are either opening or closing. Keep probing and praying for God to direct you.
God’s signs are generally proportional to the dilemma. I have found that most of the time, God’s direction is pretty clear and in a manner that leaves little room for doubt. For major life changing decisions, expect a very clear sign that manifests in an unexpected manner. Then trust Him accordingly and act purposely.
How not to discern: the example of Ahaz.
Today’s reading from Isaiah 7 describes the events leading to the famous sign for Ahaz, king of Judah. King Ahaz lacked courage and faith that God would protect Jerusalem from attack by its enemies to the North. Ahaz was therefore exploring an alliance with pagan Egypt.
God sent Isaiah to inform the King that God was protecting him and Jerusalem. Ahaz doubted and remained afraid. Isaiah said that God would give the King a sign of God’s protection, if he simply asked for it. Ahaz did not trust God without relying on Egypt’s help, so he did not want a sign to the contrary. Isaiah, realizing King Ahaz lacked faith, said: “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign, the virgin shall conceive a child and bear a son and shall call him Emmanuel.”
We are very familiar with this prophecy that ultimately refers to Jesus – but it was also a sign to Jerusalem in the time of Ahaz. The promise of Emmanuel, God with us, was fulfilled when the virgin bride of Ahaz conceived and bore Hezekiah – a son and future king, so full of faith and trust in God, that the people were able to exclaim: “Truly God is with us.” King Hezekiah relying on God’s promised protection, successfully repelled the attack from the North without any assistance from Egypt.
Applying to our lives
— Trust God and pray for a sign.
— Do not be passive and simply wait for direction.
— Act and thereby create a context within your actions, through which God can show you His will. It works.
Wonderful and inspiring reflection.
I will ponder these thought deeply.