Sunday, September 14, 2008

Following God's Will In My Life; Living A Purpose Driven Life; How To?

"Clear as Mud" - that's what I think I see when I try picture what it is exactly that God wants me to do at this time of my life. It was so much easier to figure out what God's will is in my life when I was a single. Now that I am married and have 2 kids, it is more complicated. I know it does not have to be complicated but it is. Let me give you an example:

When I was single, I fell in love with a guy who does not have the same relationship with Jesus as I have. Sure he believes in God, but he would also be the first one to admit that he's not a "born again" believer. And sure the term "born again" has gotten a bad rep, but I don't want to just label him a "non-Christian" because he does believe in Jesus, let's just say not being "born again" means he did not have a personal relationship with Christ. All these to say that even though I truly loved the guy, I knew it wasn't God's will for me to pursue a relationship with him because he wasn't a "Christian". It was hard making the decision to "not have an intimate relationship with that guy that I love" but it's easy to know that that is God's will for me. To put it simply, we were "unequally yoked". And so I said "goodbye".

Now I am married, and at this point in my life where I am in a crossroad and need to make a decision about "going back working full time" or "staying at home". In my heart I feel that it's God's will for me to stay at home, but in my heart I also feel that I need to be open to what my husband is telling me (important practical things I have to consider) and that I have to submit to it. Afterall, isn't that what the Bible says - "wives submit to your husbands"?. Can you see how difficult this is?

I think you get the idea of my struggle right now. Still don't have a clear answer. Will continue to pray and continue to do what I am doing right now. Afterall, it is also written: "whatever you do, do it for the glory of God"

Happy Sunday dear friends... and don't forget: God's Word is A Light Unto Our Path:



Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think Ive lost my way.
Still, youre there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.

Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
And a light unto my path.
You're the light unto my path.

* Entry to Missions 4 Monday at Peggy's blog

10 comments:

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Liza, I love this song.
Yes, you will know. The Lord never leaves us hanging. As long as you do not have an answer you are to continue right where you are. He will open another door when he is ready. He is ever faithful. This I know.

the le Roux's said...

I agree with the previous comment but if I can add: Your husband then obviously is a believer and would like for you to stay at home. It is important to submit to your husband if that is his final decision and God will then honour your decision and give you happines and content in that to. The responsibility of your husbands decision will now be on him before the Lord. All the best and great blog.

Rena said...

I was here yesterday but got called away from the computer so I didn't get to come back to comment. I wanted to say thanks for the communicating in marriage post--great words.
I'll say a prayer that you and your husband have one mind about what you should be doing!

Liza on Maui said...

the le roux's - unfortunately, hubby's stand is I should go to work full time outside our home if that's what's required in my employment - for practical reasons (finances, etc.) And so I will ... until the Lord speaks to him otherwise :) I know we should be united in our decision, so if we're not we've got to wait and wait until it's clear ... I guess...

Kamsin said...

I hope all this becomes clearer for you Liza and also that you and your husband can see things eye to eye or at least come to a happy compromise.

Peggy said...

Welcome Liza to Mission 4 Monday! Thank you for sharing how difficult it is to hear and know God's will for you in your marriage & also with kid's. But then
you share a song that is near & dear to me with a verse that I cling to...so you must also :) that HIS WORD is A LAMP to YOUR FEET & A LIGHT to your path.

With this you know the Truth though at times like this,the choice may be difficult. You serve a mission daily in your home as a stay at home mom or balancing that with work because of economics...but if your hubby is Christian, you should be able to pray together about what is best!

I see you living a purpose even though you may think it needs to be more. The greatest example is your blog and how you reached out by starting another blog for Praying for Emily. Immediately your mission became "pray" and standing in God's will to do all that Emily would do,
and made this another "mission" to
a Miracle. You reach out like this alot. You are doing exactly what you say is written:"whatever you do, do it for the glory of God",
that includes submitting to your husband but that does not mean being a doormat or doing anything outside of what God speaks to your heart. You are being used. If you are in a Spiritually Unequal Marriage, might I suggest you check out Lynn's site with that name or join 1 Peter 3 Living Yahoo Group,
where you can learn to thrive not just survive.Read what this scripture says!

If you are in an equal marriage than that means your hubby & you can come to Christ sharing this burden so you can feel fulfilled and of purpose. There is no greater purpose than that of a mom and wife. I failed in this. You need not seek a mission or purpose beyond but find ways like you do. Sometimes going to work can create more expenses than is worth you working outside the home! I know you know this all.

As long as you are in His Word, you will know and just have to trust that He will open or close the path. I pray God will answer & fulfill you! If you need full time work, I pray that Our Lord provide all you need so you can be at home.
Keep your eyes open and fixed on Him! I pray the Lord speaks to your husband as to his role to you & the family. I pray God surround you with praying friends that help you
seek God's will and purpose giving you contentment, peace, His will for you & your husband, delighting in all you do at home and outside the home, in church, in work with your Christian friends, never forsaking His call to you as His precious daughter...He delights in you and all you do...even as you wait! It's difficult...keep following the path set before you in His light & love! Blessings!
In Christ's love, Peggy

Tim said...

Tough decisions. I live there . . . while still seeking my purpose. May I just say I will be praying with you, Liza . . . and I will too. :)

Nancie said...

Dear Liza,

I am praying with you too for God's guidance and provision upon you and family. Thank God for your desire to honor Him in all your decisions! It is encouraging to read of your steadfastness in serving Christ and doing your best in whatever you are doing. Thanks for sharing with us and sharing this song. Truly His Words is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. May He guide you and your husband through His Words as you seek together to know His will.

I agree with Peggy that you have been faithful in serving our Lords through your blog and other ways. Thanks for sharing about Emily and starting a blog for her. I was greatly blessed by God's goodness to Emily and have been able to share it on my blog with my readers. Many of them have been encouraged by God's goodness and power in healing Emily. We are continuing to remember her in prayers. I was also greatly blessed by the song you posted "Trust His Heart". I shared it with my readers too and they are also encouraged. You are doing a good work for our Lord!

Your serving Him at home is indeed a high calling and a very important mission. May God continue to bless you as you serve Him daily. May He show your husband and you clearly what He wills both of you to do at this particular junction in your life. With God all things are possible. May He provide for your family's every need in His own wonderful ways. Take care!

With love in Christ and prayers,
Nancie

Unknown said...

My current struggle is this: is it harder to submit to God's will or my hubby's? Hopefully, Hubby is following God's lead, but what if he isn't? Then we're still called to submit, right?

I'm not saying that my Hubby is not following God. We are just disagreeing on a few issues and it's hard to know how to discern God's will.

I guess that's something I need to spend more time praying about.

~*Mistee*~ said...

Liza,

I stumbled onto your blog as I was surfing blogs through cafe mom! Your blog is an inspiration to read and I believe that you and your hubby make the right decision! :)

Blessings
Mistee