Last week, we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armour bearer and examined how they had to climb two cliffs to get to their desired goal. You have obstacles and cliffs to climb as well, and I urged you last week to start climbing.
There is one more question, however, that may be keeping your feet on the ground instead of on your cliffs heading upward. What is that question? I'm glad you asked! The question is: How do I know I am climbing the right cliff heading to the right destination, the right path for the correct goal?
The answer is that you don't know. For the explanation, read on.
PERHAPS
We all want answers and assurance before we set out that we are on the right track. If that's what you want, you are not alone. This desire, however, can actually hinder more than help as you try to pursue the goals and aspirations you have.
You need to see what Jonathan said to understand what I mean:
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6 emphasis added).
The key word that Jonathan uttered is perhaps. Jonathan knew that there were no guarantees in what he was about to do. He had faith, but was his faith accurate? There was only one way to find out, and that was to start climbing. He knew God could deliver through just two of them, he just didn't know if God would deliver through the two of them.
There are some who see doubt as the enemy of faith; I rather see it as a part of the faith process. If you knew for sure, it wouldn't require faith, now would it?
But what's to keep you from climbing wrong cliffs on a regular basis?
WHAT'S IN YOUR HEART?
The answer is found in what the armour bearer said to Jonathan when he heard of Jonathan's plan. He said:
"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul" (1 Samuel 14:7).
Why can often trust what's in your mind and heart? You can because of how the Amplified Bible interprets Proverbs 16:4:
Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed (emphasis added).
So, do you have any good ideas? Is there something that's been in your heart to do for a while? If so, then start climbing. Perhaps the Lord will help you. What if He doesn't? Try again, this time climbing a different cliff. The point is that you want answers before you go and the Lord will provide answers as you go.
I urge you again this week to follow in the footsteps of Jonathan and his aide. Get moving and stop worrying about the results. God is with you, even if you have to retrace some of your steps. As you go, you will get a better view from a higher vantage point and it will only help to make your journey, perhaps even your PurposeQuest, more scenic and memorable. Have a great week!
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