When we live through a chapter of change, we can also feel disoriented. Finding the places to centre our lives and hearts can feel like a bit of a battlefield. In this chapter, I explore the ideas of change and the way they can play out in our calling, our friendships, and our journeys – and the fact that change can be messy instead of straightforward!
I find that very often change happens the way we fall in love – first slowly, then all at once. I always find it interesting because the ideas that I write and preach about, I must live, over and over again.
One of the ideas I introduce us to in this chapter is the 5 Cs:
1 Commanding Scripture (the Bible)
2 Compelling Spirit (the Holy Spirit)
3 Counsel of the Saints (the Church)
4 Common Sense (reason)
5 Circumstantial Signs (providence)
Think about an area in your life today where you are seeking direction or wisdom. It might be big or small, theological, or practical. Recently, a young man in our church family asked me a theological question: should he date a cute girl he is interested in? I told him that question might be less theological, and more practical!
Consider in the area that you are exploring what it would mean to hold these five areas open before God. Our lives change often. We see many ways in Scripture that men and women discerned and spoke the will of God.
Ultimately, we are looking for the kind of faith that we see in Philippians 4, reading from the ESV version:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Seek the Spirit. Spend time with Jesus. Listen to His Word. Discuss with His people. Know the peace of His presence with you.
These questions are borrowed from:
