The process of learning is based on communication, commitment, and perseverance. Great teachers know that when students become confused, frustrated, or consider quitting, they must lead their pupil back to a place of confidence; returning to foundational lessons and principles.
Even the inspirational giants of ministry and literature like the Apostle Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, Oswald Chambers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and C.S. Lewis experienced times of spiritual staleness and doubt. None ever found God missing in action; rather each one rose up anew by returning to the simple foundation of his faith.
Christian Relationship Training
Foundational principles of relationship for the Christian are found in the Bible. The cornerstone lesson in scripture is, "Not my will, but Thine be done." The Bible teaches that God is never wrong, He is never absent, He never fails to deliver on a promise, and each child has been gifted with a personal teacher, the Holy Spirit. The Christian walk usually begins to go off course when our "will" becomes our "won't."
The Bible tells Christians that the Spirit speaks in a "still, small, voice." When lessons go unheeded, or you choose independence over relationship, small pressures may begin to mount. Feelings of being disconnected or alone are often evidence of a problem of will. Until the cause is addressed and resolved, pressure grows until it finally grabs your full attention.
God isn't missing from the relationship, but have you considered that you may be the one who is absent?
Questions to Establish Whether You "Will" or "Won't"
- Am I confused?
- Am I being stubborn?
- Am I making things happen when I should be waiting?
- Am I resigned or depressed?
- Am I distracted?
- Am I tired?
- Am I speaking when I should be listening?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these seven questions then you now have the first clue to where your will may actually be your won't, or where you simply need to return to a place of foundational confidence and security. Christianity is based upon simplicity, "as a little child." Frequently, when you have a "won't" in one area it taints others as well.
If you are tired you may also be depressed. Speaking rather than listening may also be an indication of distraction. Pushing to get things moving in your own time may be actually be the result of you being stubborn.
Purpose of Obstacles and Trials
Christians learn in the Bible that God presents obstacles for one of two reasons; to create a change of course or to overcome. The person involved didn't know which case they were facing until their trial was over.
When this relationship issue with God is resolved, hindsight will tell you if today's trail was intended to mold and shape you in preparation for a specific purpose, or if the exercise was simply to determine if you were willing to be molded and shaped at all.
Once you answer these seven questions, you'll be in a much better place to determine why your Christian walk is on rough ground, and whether your "will" is really your "won't."
Lynn Baber - Lynn Baber, Christian writer specializing in leadership, relationships, and all things equine.
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