God Guides, Continued

In my last post I talked about two families that recently made an impact on me. I wrote that I was willing and desirous for God to lead our own family to new spiritual heights, whatever they might be. I knew that making such a statement would result in new things coming our way. I wasn't disappointed.

My first thought at the time of my last post was concerning the rest of my family. How would they feel about the promises I wished to make, the sacrifices I was willing to give? Before I could tell my husband what was on my mind, he began to say the same things. Our study of the Word was leading us both down the same path. God was seeking to unite our hearts as one before Him.

And He's led in some unexpected directions. I expected fanfare, international assignments, book deals and miraculous appointments. God had other plans.

Immediately I was convicted about certain avenues of our life that are not exactly honoring to God. Pete and I have both been pressed in our spirit about taking careful note of all the television and online entertainment we have enjoyed in the past. If I were to list the culprits that have not measured up, you wouldn't be shocked by what we were watching. Most would consider it tame. It's funny how getting even a step closer to the Lord puts a spotlight on our most normal and accepted vices. We're still praying about a few, and thinking through the pros and cons carefully. It's harder for me as a writer to work through the discernment process because my thoughts are always on the story. To me, content can be validated by overall message. I know that not every Christian can appreciate this freedom, but my concern is that the message at the end of a movie or a program or a book, any kind of story, really, have some sort of value to character, to spirit or to the upholding of what is good and right - the essence of truth. If it does, then the content is usually, within reason and age appropriateness, of lesser concern to me. The story is everything. So I am working through why I engage with a particular story and what value it holds for me or our family.

We've also felt the need to begin reading the Bible and praying as a family daily, or as close to daily as we can get. The key here is doing it because we want to know Christ better, because we want to be involved in the process of change for us and for others by way of prayer. If you try to do something in order to check it off the list and say you've done it, even if it's done for God, it will fail. Our biggest obstacle in this arena is my husband's schedule. He has been very busy at work, sometimes working later into the evening. He leaves before the sun is up. We are hoping God will continue to work out this commitment and that we will see Him provide time where there is none.

We've also been impacted to think more seriously about missions and service. Not necessarily taking trips around the world, though we are open to that, but praying that God would show us new avenues to share His love with needy people. We are looking forward to seeing how He leads us down this particular path in the next few years.

So there you have it, my update of sorts to my previous post. I'm praying that you are finding your way in the wonderful adventure God has planned for your life as well.