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Michael Mercer: teacher. writer. father. husband. follower.

One Way

4/7/2011

2 Comments

 
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There was a time in life when I thought that God had a specific plan and path for my life and He would give me directions as I needed them.  God was my GPS!  That was in college and now through circumstances of life my view has changed.

In 2005 Leah and I decided to take a new job in a new city.  We put our house up for sale that October.  On December 31, 2006 it finally sold. During those agonizing 14 months, Leah and I had many questions.  People assured us that God wanted us to be in our new city at our new church in my new job so much that our house would sell.  That is when I began down a trail of "opposite thought."  Because the opposite of this philosophy is that if our house doesn't sell, then God must not want us in our new place and we made the wrong choice.  Our GPS was on the fritz!

It is my perspective that God doesn't map out our journey using "one way" streets.  God has many ways.  He has many directions where He can use us for His purposes.  When we say that God has that one special person out there for us or that God has one perfect job for us or God has already chosen our one path to take, then we are limiting his ability and his creativity.

God is not our puppeteer but rather our Father.  He is our savior and He is our guide.  We should take responsibility for the choices we make and not lay blame on God for what may or may not happen in our lives.  God may watch American Idol, but I'm pretty sure He isn't tampering with the results to either give you the victory or teach you something in defeat.  We are walking this journey.  God will use us in mighty ways whatever turns we may take as long as we are journeying for Him.

Next time when it seems that life is not working out at all like you had hoped.  Next time everything you prayed about has happened as you told God it should.  Next time you are caught at the Crossroads and not sure whether to move without a sign.  Remember God wants your faith and your movement.  And then He will provide you with everything you need to faithfully trust in Him.  The only One Way, God has is to glorify Him in all that we do!

2 Comments
Analee link
4/7/2011 08:27:13 am

The comment "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" gets on my nerves.

How is that comforting? I don't like a view of a god placing my life events on a scale trying to get the bad and good to ballance.

I think of Job. God didn't dish out the pain and death. Bad things just happen.

Reply
Bobbie Huebner link
4/8/2011 03:24:27 am

Good and well thought out post, Michael. I get "nervous" when I hear people use the word plan in an interpretation, searching question or answer to problems in theirs or others' lives. It's as if there is a box God expects us to jump in if we could only find it or He will...what's underneath all that? As you say we are limiting God's power and unwilling to open space in our hearts for God to work.
"God has a plan for me" spirituality is pervasive.

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    Michael Mercer

    I like to explore different things about theology and the life of the church.  You might also find things here about me and my family.

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    God Is... by Michael Mercer

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    God Is... -God is... is a book that takes a look at Genesis and portrays six true images of God.  There are many ways we think about God that are unhealthy and even destructive.  These six images help turn our attention to who God really is and how we might follow him more closely.  Click the Lulu button below to download your copy!

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