Sometimes, life is hard...

Every once in a while being a big kid stinks. You ever had one of those moments where you are faced with a situation, task or idea and you stop and just wish you weren't a big kid? Where you wish you were still just a kid who's biggest concern was if you get to watch TV after school or if your favorite cereal is in the cupboard. Sometimes I have those moments. I wish we didn't have to make those decisions. I wish we weren't in certain situations. And after I let out a big sigh I buckle down and face the facts: Sarah, you and Zach are big kids, and you have to face these things.

Thankfully, wonderfully, magnificently we don't have to face them alone. Our God stands beside us and upholds us with His righteous right hand. 

And after the decision is made and the situation is over the goal is to look back and see the Lord's hand. To remember how he led you and comforted you during those times. To see how he is using those moments to refine you and make you more like Him. To clearly make out how he has corrected you when needed, and loved you anyway. 

In the midst of these moments in our life recently I found great wisdom in the book "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. I am still in the midst of reading this book but a portion of one chapter rang true for the circumstance we faced recently. 

She encourages 5 things if you sense that the Lord may be leading you:  

1. Look for the message of the Spirit- listen to his voice and promptings as you discern his call.

2. Search the model of Scripture for guidance- Stay immersed in the Word. Ask yourself if your decision contradicts God's Word. Keep attentive for moments where the Word ministers to you and the situation you face. 

3. Live in the mode of prayer- Direct your every concern to your Creator and Sustainer

4. Submit to the ministry of Eli- When Samuel heard the voice of the Lord at first he was unable to discern it, he sought the counsel of the wiser and more mature believer, Eli to fully understand what he was hearing. Align the counsel of a Godly mentor to the Word of the Lord and the promptings of the Spirit you have encountered. 

5. Expect the mercy of confirmation- Look for God's use of circumstances, people and Scripture to confirm his direction.  (Hallelujah!) 

Something tells me this whole life thing doesn't necessarily get easier with time. However, I am humbled to know that I can approach the throne of grace with confidence, and there I will find mercy and grace to help me in my time of need. (Heb. 4:16) 

The Lord your God is with you, 

he is mighty to save. 

He will take great delight in you, 

he will quiet you with his love, 

he will rejoice over you with singing. 

Zephaniah 3:17