“I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord‘s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.
“2.―Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.
“3.―I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.
“4.―Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
“5.―I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright.
“6.―Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and in transactions involving most important issues, I have found this method always effective.” –George Muller
One way I try to follow Muller’s 1st point is this: I think of all the benefits and good things about each option. This way I have something to look forward to no matter what God says (yes or no, this option or that option).
Though sometimes putting oneself into God’s hands and God’s will is scarier than flinging oneself off a cliff, I remember how GOOD and perfect God is. Once again I’ll mention one of my favorite songs regarding this—“Falling” on this album: http://www.traviscottrellstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=9
I LOVE this song, and I think you can actually listen to the whole song on that link for free.
Steve and I also take into account counsel from Christian leaders and friends, and experts in the area of decision, as well as logic and reason (if it’s not already clear through prayer, the Bible, and circumstances).
God’s way is always best, no matter how scary or difficult.
I am a wife and mother of three children ages 11, 14, and 18. I used to be a stay-at-home mom (teaching piano & dance, volunteering, etc). From 2007 to 2010, I suffered accidental Toxic Injury (also called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS). MCS has had major impact on our family, but the forced time in bed has given me time to write. So far, I have published 4 children's books (2 in e-book format on Kindle, one in Print-on-Demand at CreateSpace, and one printed by a local printer). Sometimes I miss my old life, but I love writing for children!
From 2007 to 2010, I suffered accidental Toxic Injury (also called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or Environmental Illness). But, the forced time in bed has given me time to write. It has been such a blessing to work on my children's books and stories!
I love: God, family & friends, outdoors, gardening, animals, writing, reading, photography, cooking, music, dance, bare feet, long skirts, lavender & yellow, and chocolate.
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There was once a great man in history who devoted his life to housing orphans. His name was George Muller.
