Tackling the 'Age Old Question'

First of, I don't claim to have all or any answers when people ask me questions or look for advice. Being in the role that I am I sometimes feel expected to know and end up feeling useless because I can't always explain or answer. But, I am okay with that, I am okay with feeling useless at times.

One question that continually pops up is, "How do I know what God's will is for my life?" A question that everyone wants to know. A question that frustrates people, discourages people, drives them further from God because things aren't black and white, and steals hope. People step out in faith, following what they believe to be God's will only to have things crash and fail.

So, why would God do that? Why would God thwart their plans of trying to be obedient? Why doesn't God show us more clearly what he wants for and from us?

I don't know.

Here's what I believe. If we are controlled by the Spirit of God, completely in tune with him as a result of an ongoing committed relationship, our will and God's will become enmeshed. Meaning, there is no distinction between my will and God's. Eventually, the two become one and the battle/tension of trying to decipher between the two will dimminish.

I tend to think that when you are feeling confused and frustrated, the first place to look is at yourself. How much control have I given to God of my life? How close am I to him?

Admittedly, my life is not always tight with God. Shameful but true. When it is not, I struggle, big time. When it is, my situations don't necessarily change but I am more even and at peace in the midst of them. And, decisions do come easier.

And sometimes crap happens, even to the best of us. That's what I call life.