This is not what someone like me wants to hear. I hate to admit it but I tend to take a “how-to” approach to my relationship with God. I approach finding God’s will like looking for a good recipe — tell me the exact steps to take and directions to follow, and maybe even a picture of what it should look like when I’m finished and I’ll get started. And that, I am learning, is not how God works. It always reminds me of that scene in Indiana Jones when he steps out over a chasm having to have the faith that the bridge is there because he can’t see it. I’m starting to accept that that’s what life with God is like — not because he’s tricky and wants it to be hard, but because if we’re trying to love him first, he’ll give us the next step right when we need it. And really, my way is a bit unexciting don’t you think? And rules out the need for a relationship with God? If I could see the whole picture of what the rest of my life will be, where would be the joy of surprises, and why would I need faith?

 

“What finding the divine will means is that we center our hearts on our relationship with God, seek first his kingdom, and generously respond to its challenges. Putting God first and responding to the needs around us are God’s desires for us and will certainly move us in the right direction.” —Bridget Haase, OSU, Doors to the Sacred