Trying to find God's path for me

[showmom4]

I'm trying to distinguish whether opportunities that have come to me are God's path or the Devil at work. How do you know?

 

[RJ]

I'm trying to distinguish whether opportunities that have come to me are God's path or the Devil at work. How do you know?

Simple: if they are good, they are of God and if they are bad, they are from the other guy!

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Welcome to Talk Jesus @showmum
Enjoy the online forum and fellowship

Whilst I agree with brother RJ that everything from the Lord is good......the devil can candycoat things to look good too.
The whole world glistens with tempting attractions that on the surface seem good.

Commit everything to the Lord in prayer, asking for His clear leading
Ask Him to close doors firmly that are not the right path for you.
He will do this.....His word says so

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes
Proverbs 3:5-7

He hath said 'I will never leave thee'
Hebrews 13:5

 

[Chad]

Hi @showmom4

Prayer, waiting and believing that your best interest is His will and concern. When we walk righteously (not in sin), we are likely to walk in clarity and discernment of the Holy Spirit.

Don't rush things. Don't even stress about it. Our God is not an author of confusion either.

 

[showmom4]

Let me give some background to my questions....I've been unemployed for almost two months. I have been applying for jobs both near by and some that would require a lengthy drive. In the last two days, I have scheduled two interviews. Any of them would require the lengthy drive or a move. I have a failing marriage. Is this God's plan or the devil giving me a way out?

 

[Fragrant Grace]

I've been unemployed for almost two months. I have been applying for jobs both near by and some that would require a lengthy drive. In the last two days, I have scheduled two interviews. Any of them would require the lengthy drive or a move. I have a failing marriage. Is this God's plan or the devil giving me a way out?

Greetings @showmom4

None of us here at Talk Jesus can tell you what is the Lord's plan for your life

However, we can tell you that if you seek the Lord's guidance He will lead you

Be bold in your prayers, ask Him to very clearly show you the way

You say that your marriage is failing...you don't disclose any reasons for this (which is fine)
You do need to look honesty at why that is and again commit all to the Lord...knowing that He is abudantly able to restore, to heal, to lead and to bless

Shew me Thy ways....teach me Thy paths....lead me in Thy truth
Psalm 25:4-5

Not mine, not mine the choice
In things either great or small
Be Thou to me my Guide, my Strength
My Wisdom and my All*



*H Bonar

 

[RJ]

Let me give some background to my questions....I've been unemployed for almost two months. I have been applying for jobs both near by and some that would require a lengthy drive. In the last two days, I have scheduled two interviews. Any of them would require the lengthy drive or a move. I have a failing marriage. Is this God's plan or the devil giving me a way out?

From my perspective, it is neither!
Jesus said, in this life, we will have our trials and tribulations; some have more,some have less, and why, I do not know. It sounds like you have your share right now.
The most important key in anyone's spiritual life, is knowing who you are in Jesus Christ. Please note that we are talking about " Spiritual Life", not "Physical Life"; here are just a few of the many ways you are spiritually:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
• Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
• John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
• Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Dear Showmom4, I am truly sorry about your struggles. The above verses are just a part of countless scriptures that tell us who we are in Jesus Christ.
I can say this with out any doubt, you are here for a reason, this is a Talk Jesus forum and you are definitely not here because ANY work of the Devil! If anything, he wants you go away rejected and feeling you are not worthy or just can't make it, and, nothing could be further from the truth and truth is what you need to dwell in!

• I am in NO WAY, saying who you are, or who you are not a saved person, but without your own personal testimony, we really have no way of knowing.
  
• The only way to understand your struggles or any of this is if you are "Born Again"! Jesus said: "You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again." John 3:7

Let's go back up to Romans 12:2, When you are born again, your mind will be transformed by God...and, "you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This is the answer to your question of whether something is from God or Satin and you can answer it!

Do you understand what it means to be "Born Again"?

 

[showmom4]

@RJ Yes I do know what it means to be born again. My struggle with following what I feel is God's path for me involves negative talk and treatment from family and friends. I feel like no matter what good things come to me I will never be able to make/keep others happy.

 

[RJ]

@RJ Yes I do know what it means to be born again. My struggle with following what I feel is God's path for me involves negative talk and treatment from family and friends. I feel like no matter what good things come to me I will never be able to make/keep others happy.

I know that is hurtful and I an truly sorry for something that does not exist in my life.
You must understand that negative talk from family and friends is not of God. It would be a oxymoron that a negative can come from God.
Know who you are in Jesus. Treat others with love and kindness, after that, you are not responsible for their happiness and owe them no more!
Try to forgive any others who have wronged you and then "dust your feet off", it is not your responsibility that they accept your forgiveness. Forgiveness, in this way, is an essential step towards your healing and understanding.

 

[showmom4]

@Fragrant Grace The reason my marriage is failing is completely my fault. This is my second marriage and in both marriages I basically married the same man. My first marriage ended due to extreme financial problems (ended in bankruptcy) among other things. The only financial issues we have in my second marriage is "Whose money is it?" it's our money when its convenient but for the most part it's his. I have always worked full time (other than maternity leave), provided benefits, helped on the farm, taken my kids to appointments, practices etc. In both marriages, my husband didn't help do anything at home.....the kids still went to daycare even if they weren't working.
I'm not playing the victim by saying it is my fault. I say this because I allowed this behavior in both marriages. By allowing this to emerge and continue, I feel resentment, bitterness and anger (borderline hate). Which I know is not good. In both marriages I have tried to talk to my husband to explain my feelings and asked for help. Unfortunately talking to either man in the most non-confrontational way was like trying to rationalize with a toddler. I thought marriage was a partnership but I guess I was wrong about this. I feel like i learned my behavior from my mother. She took care of everything when we were growing up plus worked a full time job. My father always worked but didn't help with any of the domestic duties.
My now husband is going through a bout of depression. Three years ago he lost his off-farm job. He would just sit at home and watch TV all day. He became increasingly mean and hateful. My children and I have suffered mental abuse from him. He would not recognize this until I moved out and he began counseling. (He started taking antidepressants but only took them for a couple months.) The first counselor that we saw was upfront about giving us an honest assessment as to whether or not our marriage was fixable. If not, she could help us make a peaceful transition. During the course of counseling, we would each see here separately and then together once a week. My husband would tell her things in their one-on-one sessions but would not open up to me. We continued counseling for approximately three months. After I moved back into the house, the counselor told us she did not believe that I was happy and basically our marriage was over. My husband made a rude comment to her because he didn't like what she said and would not go back to her again. I continued to go by myself for a few months. It was a place where I could go to vent and express my feelings because I don't have any friends in the town where we live. Now were are scheduled for start counseling with another person. I asked my husband a couple days ago when I made the appointment if he didn't like what this counselor had to say were we going to continue seeking out counselors until we found one that told him what he wanted to hear? He said yes first then said no.
I'm not sure that staying together is best thing to do for our kids. We live together as roommates, separate bedrooms, bank accounts everything. We barely speak to each other and there is no affection.

 

[Cturtle]

@Fragrant Grace The reason my marriage is failing is completely my fault. This is my second marriage and in both marriages I basically married the same man. My first marriage ended due to extreme financial problems (ended in bankruptcy) among other things. The only financial issues we have in my second marriage is "Whose money is it?" it's our money when its convenient but for the most part it's his. I have always worked full time (other than maternity leave), provided benefits, helped on the farm, taken my kids to appointments, practices etc. In both marriages, my husband didn't help do anything at home.....the kids still went to daycare even if they weren't working.
I'm not playing the victim by saying it is my fault. I say this because I allowed this behavior in both marriages. By allowing this to emerge and continue, I feel resentment, bitterness and anger (borderline hate). Which I know is not good. In both marriages I have tried to talk to my husband to explain my feelings and asked for help. Unfortunately talking to either man in the most non-confrontational way was like trying to rationalize with a toddler. I thought marriage was a partnership but I guess I was wrong about this. I feel like i learned my behavior from my mother. She took care of everything when we were growing up plus worked a full time job. My father always worked but didn't help with any of the domestic duties.
My now husband is going through a bout of depression. Three years ago he lost his off-farm job. He would just sit at home and watch TV all day. He became increasingly mean and hateful. My children and I have suffered mental abuse from him. He would not recognize this until I moved out and he began counseling. (He started taking antidepressants but only took them for a couple months.) The first counselor that we saw was upfront about giving us an honest assessment as to whether or not our marriage was fixable. If not, she could help us make a peaceful transition. During the course of counseling, we would each see here separately and then together once a week. My husband would tell her things in their one-on-one sessions but would not open up to me. We continued counseling for approximately three months. After I moved back into the house, the counselor told us she did not believe that I was happy and basically our marriage was over. My husband made a rude comment to her because he didn't like what she said and would not go back to her again. I continued to go by myself for a few months. It was a place where I could go to vent and express my feelings because I don't have any friends in the town where we live. Now were are scheduled for start counseling with another person. I asked my husband a couple days ago when I made the appointment if he didn't like what this counselor had to say were we going to continue seeking out counselors until we found one that told him what he wanted to hear? He said yes first then said no.
I'm not sure that staying together is best thing to do for our kids. We live together as roommates, separate bedrooms, bank accounts everything. We barely speak to each other and there is no affection.

Showmom4, i am so sorry to hear that your marriage is in this state, and that it has caused you pain! With that said, if i may make a couple of suggestions? One, do you want your marriage to work? The second i would suggest is to, take communion. Forgive according to Mark 11:25 and repent for allowing hurt and bitterness to take root in your heart. God loves you and wants the best for you, your husband, and your children and it is the devil that is trying to tear your marriage apart. And then it is your job to walk according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. As you daily commit to walk in love towards your husband, praying for him, and speaking only according to scripture about him...God will intervene. For instance...if he is being cranky, confess and thank the Lord that he is happy and full of the joy of the Lord, etc. Find scriptures that back up what you need to speak over your husband and marriage. Ask God to give you specific scriptures to pray over him, and thank The Lord every time you pray, that God is filling him with Godly wisdom. Read the verses on being a godly woman, and wife and apply them to your life.

Commit all of your plans unto the Lord, and He will cause your thoughts to line up with His will, so that your plans will be established and succeed. Pr 16:3 amp.

Father thank You for this precious woman of Yours that loves You and desires the things of You. Thank You for giving her the courage to walk according to Your ways, and to become the godly woman that You desire for her to be. Thank You Father for intervening in this marriage, and for bringing restoration and health to it. Thank You for blessing the children with peace and comfort. And for protecting them from all danger. I thank You for a hedge of protection around this family and plead the Blood of Jesus over them. Thank You for your angels that go before them, preparing the way for their feet to travel, for the path that you have for them. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Go in grace and peace sister, knowing that God will lead you and guide you according to Jeremiah 29:11. Blessings! If you need anything i am just a pm away.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Simple: if they are good, they are of God and if they are bad, they are from the other guy!

@showmom4
RJ I hope you are just trying to be funny with this answer. Not all things that glitter are of God and even though something might be good for some it might not be right for another. They say God closes doors that no man can open. This is true BUT even if the door is wide open and the band is beckoning you in.....does not make it from God.

Pray and seek......Rememeber proverbs 16:3 AMP... Roll your works (cares) upon the Lord, Commit and Trust them wholly (totally) to Him; He will CAUSE YOUR THOUGHTS to become agreeable ( in line ) to His will, and so shall your plans ( thoughts ) be established ( made known ) and succeed.

Blessings
Jim

 

[Curtis]

I'm trying to distinguish whether opportunities that have come to me are God's path or the Devil at work. How do you know?

Sister we are told to let the "peace" of God within us to act like a "umpire" to weather what you are hearing is from the Lord. If it is from the Lord, you will have peace about it. If you are concerned that maybe it is not, wait.

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.