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God's Will....Oh, Scary!

Jennifer and I have not yet gotten to the point of pushing our children for a decision on their careers. We are waiting for them to at least hit double digits before we ask them how they plan to take care of us in our golden years. But the subject of what they want to be does come up.

So far Jacie, our oldest, has discussed being an astronaut and a teacher, but her real dream is to be a dolphin trainer. She should probably learn to swim first, but she has time.

My son has also batted the idea of education around, right after his career in pro sports is done. I'm ok with that plan. It makes retirement sound much more possible.

It's our youngest that has me concerned. At the tender age of 4, she has decided that she does not want to go to college because that could mean that she wouldn't be living with mom and dad. It warms the heart now, but it won't pay the bills later.

If my children seem oblivious now as to what to do with their futures, wait until some pastor (likely their dad) adds on the detail that they may want to consider 'God's will for their life.' I think I just heard you groan while reading this.

What is it about God's will that has us all worried and bothered? Is it the concern of how to hear God's voice? Is it the fear of being struck by lightning for getting it wrong? As a child, I remember being very afraid that God would call me to be a missionary. How would I take hot showers and order pizza to be delivered? Unthinkable!

As I sit in my cozy chair, basking in the glory that all youth pastors receive, I sometimes look back and consider my calling, as we like to refer to that auspicious day that a decision was made and we could blame God for whatever happens next. Did I hear a voice? Or did I simply feel some indigestion? Either way, it was a bit uncomfortable.

If you're looking ahead and you're wondering what to do with your life, have you considered God's will? Are you scared to ask? Do you ask God's will for everything, including which fast food restaurant to head to for lunch?

I will admit that God's will can be a bit unnerving. After all, who knows His mind in order to know what's coming? This is where approaching decisions like my children will be helpful. Follow your passions (if your passions are God-directed) and assume (even naively) that God will take care of you. After all, everyone around you says you can trust God. Either you do, or...gulp, be afraid.
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