I had a reminder recently by a sweet sister in Christ of a very important truth. I have said often in my blogs and newsletters that God doesn’t talk to us in the same way as He did in the Old Testament. And that’s true. He doesn’t talk to us through burning bushes or by writing on the wall. I do believe that He talks to us through our dreams, our friends, the Bible, and by using our environment around us (like sending special songs to us when we need them.) However, when I’ve said this about Him talking to us differently, it was usually a lament. I thought it was much harder for us to know God’s will nowadays than it was back in the Old Testament.
But what my sister reminded me of is the fact that we now have the Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit didn’t start indwelling in us until Jesus died on the cross. In John, chapters 14-16, He said that He was going to send us a Helper (or an Advocate) after His death, and He did. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/when-did-the-holy-spirit-come-after-jesus-or-before/ And this is a very direct way for God to speak to us—his Spirit speaking to our spirit, one on one. How much more intimate can you get than that?
So, I need to stop whining about how hard it is for us to truly figure out what God wants of us and trust that the Holy Spirit will let me know. I don’t have to worry so much about Satan’s deceptions if I am in tune with the Holy Spirit within me, and the recognition of that fact has been liberating for me.
Throughout this writing process, I have continually asked God for proof that He wants me to be on this journey, just like Gideon did in Judges 6:36-40. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+6%3A36-40&version=NIV
First, he asked God to wet a fleece with dew and keep the ground around it dry. And God did. But that wasn’t enough for our less-than-fearless warrior. He then asked God to do the opposite—keep the fleece dry and let the ground be wet with dew. And God did. Now it is possible that God was frustrated with Gideon but, regardless, He helped him in his unbelief. He didn’t express that frustration at all—although He has expressed frustration, at times, over his people’s doubts. (Think Moses when he was too afraid to speak to Pharaoh. But again, God helped him and allowed his brother Aaron to assist with the speaking.) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+4%3A10-17&version=NIV
I suspect that my Heavenly Father wants to say to me, “Stop asking for proof that you are on the road I have intended for you! I will let you know if I change my mind.” And this has given me a renewed confidence in my journey, not only as a writer, but more importantly as a Christian.
This—this is why God says for us not to forsake the assembly. We can learn so much just by hanging around and listening to those whose opinions differ from ours, especially those who are older and wiser and have the courage to speak up in a loving way.
Thank you, Jan. (You know who you are.) I love you, Sister!