a question about God's help in a decision

[life4christ]

This question is relating to a situation I am in, where I have to make a decision regarding my future, but I want to make sure I'm doing it according to God's will, not mine.

I am currently starting my last year of high school and am looking for universities, and there is one that I want to attend, but I'm not sure whether God is calling me to train myself with the gifts he has given me in one area, or whether to go to bible college and be involved in church ministry. I've been praying about it, and I am thinking about applying for this college, and then letting God decide, and if I get in, then I go, but if I don't, then I don't look for another college, I go to bible college instead. However I am unsure on whether this is a good decision, because I don't want to confuse myself into thinking that if I get in, it is what God really wants. I will go into more detail below to explain more, if you still want to read.

Basically, I can't deny that God has given me amazing gifts in the media and film area. I have never found a class or training session that has been challenging because I learn about it all so quickly and just naturally take off. I know that this is something that God has blessed me with to use for him, and the people around me naturally expect me to continue in that area, which also kind of makes the decision hard.

The university I want to attend is the Victorian College of the Arts- School of Film and Television. Only 12 or 16 people are selected each year from all over the world to enter it. This is why I though that I could just apply for this one uni and let God decide, but even though the chances are so slim of making it, I have no doubt that I can get in because of what God has given me (not in a way to boast or self-promote myself) and so if I did get in, I don't want it to just be because God gave me what I wanted instead of what He wanted.

I know that if I went to this uni, I would be able to learn so much and really reach my full potential, and I know that I could very possibly become an amazing film director or editor, and I would always use it for God. Whether I created good Christian movies that can impact non-Christians, or whether I just used my new skills to completely boost my youth and church's media, I know that it would be the obvious choice for my future. But...

I also feel God calling me to children's ministry. I know that in my future, nomatter what I do, I need to be involved in children's ministry. This is where the dilemma is because what if this should be my first focus? However, would God bless me with amazing gifts in an area that wasn't part of His plan?

I even came up with alternatives like creating children's movies or a good kid's Christian TV series, but I don't want to make this decision just by logical choices, I want to make it based on God's plans, because I know that it is the only way that I will ultimately find success in life.

Basically, I just need some good advice on how to take this decision. How do I make sure that I am doing what God wants, and not just convincing myself that what I want is what He wants. I've been praying hard, but it's so good hearing from other Christians.

 

[maciek]

My humble suggestions

Take all your desires to the Lord and then surrender to him. Secondly if you go to the Bible college what are the positive sides and negative sides. Which sides are more? Are you peaceful when you think of choosing this? If you are peaceful and happy then choose. Thirdly take the university studies on film or whatever may be, what are positive sides and negative sides? Which side is more? Are you peaceful with the decision? Then follow it. So this way you can discern the will of God for you. First you need to surrender to the Lord all your desires and then open for His way. Hope this will help you.

 

[kenwyn]

I have read your post quite a few times now. You seem to be very energised about the film industry and your potential there. I cannot see anything that suggests that you really want to go to Bible college other than a feeling that it may be God's plan.

You don't say that you have a deep desire to study theology, and you don't really seem to have a very clear idea of how you would serve God if you did get Bible college qualifications.

Very often God does not give clear guidance. He builds our faith by challenging us to feel our way prayerfully using a mixture of our own desires, sound advice from others and common sense. If you want to check it out in the scriptures, take a look at the book of Acts and see how the early church leaders made their decisions. Sometimes it is the direct prompt of the Holy Spirit, sometimes they make decisions by consulting with each other, sometimes it is a mix of the two.

Maciek has given some sensible suggestions for thinking it through.

You clearly want to do God's will. If you go ahead and do what you really feel passionate about, that's okay as long as you keep your ears open to God's direction.

If you are to go into full-time Christian ministry, God will make that very clear to you. Full time ministry is hard and you need the assurance that this is exactly where God wants you to be.

I am responding only to what you have written, so if I am way off the mark, just disregard what I have said.

Whatever course you take, trust in God. It will be a step of faith for you, and in years to come you will be able to look back and see how God has been guiding you.

I hope this helps.

 

[life4christ]

thanks

Thanks to both of you. This has been very helpful. It's funny how the answer is so much clearer when you talk with other people, because you realise things you missed, so thanks for your advice!