The will of God presents a challenge. While it’s great to know, it can be difficult to discover.
In his book, Forgotten God, pastor and author Francis Chan writes: “To be honest, I believe part of the desire to ‘know God’s will for my life’ is birthed in fear and results in paralysis. We are scared to make mistakes, so we fret over figuring out God’s will.” These words come from a chapter titled “Forget About His Will for Your Life!”
The paralysis that Chan refers to happens in our personal lives and in our ministries. Unfortunately, the result is the same in both settings—inactivity excused by spirituality. Often, this hesitation comes from a person selling himself short. Lack of confidence leads to lack of decision which leads to lack of activity. We end up just waiting for heaven to make every decision clear before doing anything.
I’ve done it. You probably have, too. But there’s a better way.
A tale of two candidates
Two experiences taught me important lessons about God’s will. Both happened during interviews for an open position where I work. Two candidates took diametrically different approaches to discern their next steps. Both sought God’s will. Along the way, I learned plenty that will help me lead my organization better.
I think that you will, too.
Let’s make two potentially long stories short. After lengthy conversations with a pair of motivated and highly qualified candidates, the moment arrived to discuss a next step. Both expressed passion and enthusiasm. Both saw themselves thriving in the position. Both sincerely desired to honor God with their unique and abundant gifts. Both want to follow God’s will.
But they took opposing next steps.
Candidate A wants to step forward—meet again and continue the discussions—with a commitment to praying continuously for God to provide direction along the way. Candidate B wants to wait until she hears from heaven that she should move forward.
I’m fairly certain which candidate Francis Chan would prefer.
I’m fully certain that I want to act more like A in my leadership and in my life overall. Assuming you do, too, let’s look at how to apply the A approach.
Those changes in your ministry? Do ’em! Just get started. If you believe God placed you in your role, then go ahead and keep believing that He put you there because 1) you can make good decisions and 2) you will do your job, which involves deciding the right thing to do and doing it. Not recklessly, of course. But also not letting decision paralysis set in.
Be like David!
Young David did not specifically hear from God that he should volunteer to fight Goliath. Instead, he saw what needed to be done and believed somebody had to do something. While not exactly sure how to go about the “something” part, David who he had faced ferocious challenges in the past.
What’s your response when you see a situation that clearly needs action? Do you ever pretend that the need is not that great because you’re not sure what to do or you lack confidence in yourself? So nothing happens unless heaven sends detailed plans and approval.
But David stepped forward.
When Saul equipped him with battle armor, David did not need to pray and ask God if this was the right approach. The young man could tell right away that this idea, which seemed like a very good one to Saul, weighed him down too much and would end up a larger burden than he could handle. Ever have people approach you convinced they have a great idea for changes to your program? Confession: I wobbled under the weight of ideas from other people enough times to realize, the hard way, that leaders must possess the two-pronged ability to authentically thank people for their input while confidently taking a pass on their suggestions.
All while moving forward.
Instead, this young shepherd trusted God to provide direction along the way. “This day the Lord will hand you over to me,” he declares to his opponent. (1 Samuel 17:46a)
A moment earlier, David prepared by grabbing a handful of stones. Why five? He clearly did not know how this battle would take place. Maybe he prepared to miss a few times. Maybe he thought that taking down the big guy would require multiple hits. Maybe he wanted to launch a couple at the soldiers in Saul’s army willing to offer advice but unwilling to help. Have anyone in your church like that? The kids with plenty of ideas about what others should do. Makes you want to keep a couple rocks in your own pocket.
Back to the battle. David runs toward Goliath. No standing around, waiting for God to show him what to do next or how this will all end. He moves toward the challenge. Toward the new situation. Toward change.
Don’t hold back
You’re in ministry, which means you face challenges, new situations, and potential changes. Run toward them rather than waiting until you have crystal clear, no doubt, sure-to-succeed directions from heaven. Could God’s will already exist and be underway—because he put you in your position? Yes, you: the person he equipped to make decisions and move the ministry forward.
For some who read this column, these words will seem foolish. For others, maybe you, these words will feel like a nudge. If so, stop waiting and move forward. Pause only to pick up some rocks. You never know when you might need one.
And remember to keep a couple in your pocket, too.
P.S. If you live in Texas, or just want a great reason to take a trip into warmer weather, make plans to join me at the Children’s Ministry Summit held in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 6. What began as a day to encourage ministry volunteers has grown to be a large event that will encourage and equip leaders, staff, volunteers, and everyone else who attends. Find more information here!
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David Staal, senior editor of Today’s Children’s Ministry, serves as the president of Kids Hope USA, a national non-profit organization that partners local churches with elementary schools to provide mentors for at-risk students. Prior to this assignment, David led Promiseland, the children’s ministry at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. David is the author of Words Kids Need to Hear (2008) and lives in Grand Haven, MI, with his wife Becky, son Scott, and daughter Erin. Interested in David speaking at your event? Click here
©2009, David Staal
