Seeking clarity in God’s direction

This is one of the most debated topics, particularly in recent times. And as a believer, the conundrum of whether God will have us go or stay is one worth understanding. There are two popular Bible story which Christians use to drive the ‘japa’ and ‘stay’ narrative. And they are the stories of Abraham found in Genesis 12 and Isaac found in Genesis 26. But I’d like to emphasize the story of Abraham where God asked Abram to ‘get out of your country, from your family and your father’s house to a land that I will show you’. There are so many things to learn from this story. However, many often turn a blind eye to the fact that God indeed asked Abraham to leave.

Abraham clearly wasn’t seeking greener pastures due to economic hardship, at least we don’t get that picture from the scriptures. One of the reasons God needed him to leave was to enlarge the coast of his mind, to prepare him for the blessings he was going to be blessed with and for the role he would play as the father of faith. He also did not know the place existed till he moved. The essence of sharing this, is to show that it was all of God and Abraham’s willingness to trust God blindly and totally. The truth remains that for a believer, whether you stay or leave, greener pastures are found when you’re at the center of God’s will for your life. Which is why we seek clarity in the place of prayer, so our hearts are adequately prepared, and we receive strength needed to stay or go. Philippians 4:8 says we should not be anxious but through prayer and supplications, we should let our request be made known to God. 

There are seasons when we get nudges or feel that we are at phases in our career where we need to expand or move forward but it only makes sense to seek clarity because God has the manual of not only the earth but our lives as well. And beautifully, God can change times, seasons, and policies in our favor. So, while the grass might seem greener for those that ‘japa’ it definitely will not be green for all. So, do a heart search and answer truthfully, what is driving me to go or stay. Am I falling prey to the bandwagon effect? Am I where God would have me be? How have I fared in obedience to God’s instructions, do I have the sight of Lot? Is there an assignment in purpose God will have me pursue? We would realize that although Jesus commanded us to go into nations, some disciples had to remain in Jerusalem for the sake of the gospel. Am I selfishly chasing my own dreams and aspirations?

 At the core of our dreams and aspirations should be the desire to do God’s will for our lives, not trying to move God to be okay with our choices. While God is merciful and can reroute our missteps like Jonah, we must also recognize that man is bound by time and as such must maximize time. Abraham and Isaac both had a relationship with God which is why they heard him when he spoke. A believer must always remember that he is led by the Spirit of God because he is God’s child, Romans 8:14.

Remember, prosperity is not abroad or at home, prosperity is at the center of God’s will. Have you received instructions in the place of prayer to move or stay? All these are questions to be answered before deciding to move or stay. Spend more time in prayer, and be willing to trust God wholly, because it is at the center of God’s will, you will green pastures.

Akinlua Mercy