And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” ~ Romans 12:2
I remember when I left full time ministry to stay home with my children, I was criticized for leaving "the ministry." Such a shame, they said, a waste of your arena and skills and influence.
When I pursued a life as a writer of books, blogger, podcaster, I was criticized for working and trying to raise my children at the same time.
When I decided to have more children, some well-meaning believers said, "You already have your boy and your girl, and kids take up a lot of time and are expensive. Why would you have more?"
When I wanted to have another child when I was in my 40's, after three miscarriages, I heard from many places how unwise it was to have a baby in my 40's and how unhealthy for me. But I had prayed......and her name is Joy.
When I wanted to home educate my children, I kept hearing and hearing and hearing how they would be unsocialized, unprepared for university and the real world and that I would see, eventually, just how hard it was and would quit when they were teens. God lead me to keep going, and they are all out in the world bringing His light and goodness in very secular places to help people.
When I had an out-of-the-box child who struggled with some issues and passages in life, I was told I was not disciplining enough and needed to spank more--but this child responded to gentleness and firmness, instead. And so I prayed, and loved, and trained patiently for many years. And he became an author, actor, movie maker.
How could you let him move to New York City and Hollywood? Don’t you care about his long term well-being. But again, God called me to trust because it was my life, my child, my puzzle.
When I read articles on how important it was to read to my children and focused them on great authors, great minds and experiences, and walked by faith in the home-nurture and -education of my children, I was criticized for the possibility of leading many astray through my articles and talks. “After all, how do you know you are not missing a lot by not using proven curriculum? How do you know that you are not hindering their development and ability?” But we had prayed and sought wisdom …
All these voices and more criticized me, and told me I would find out I was wrong. These voices proved to create havoc in my soul, and stress in my life.
So, I kept having quiet times and praying and continued to follow God by faith. I do not say His way for me is the right way for everybody, but I had to listen to Him and follow Him by faith, even though it took me in many different directions than everyone else.
Each of us must pray, evaluated our own circumstances, live as well as we can as stewards of our own life and convictions. And we must live by faith.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God …
Hebrews 11:6
And so, as I am seeking His voice these days, He is again saying,
"You, follow me."
“You, live by faith."
“You, do my will."
Adam and Eve didn't listen to His voice when He was calling them to loyalty in the garden.
The spies did not listen to Him, but looked at the giants when they saw the land of milk and honey He had already prepared.
The soldiers could not defeat Goliath because they did not hear God's voice but only a voice of fear.
It is age-old to want to fit in, but only those who listen closely, who seek intently, will have the blessing and privilege to hear Him, to see His ways and to live in the grace that only comes from resting in Him and obediently walking by faith.
Where is He leading you today? Follow Him only.