As Believers, our decisions are typically motivated by our faith in some way. When choosing what university to attend my main deciding factors were the community, cost, and how I could grow in my faith. After I graduated, my next question was, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” I think this is a question a lot of us have asked, probably multiple times if we’re being honest. Sometimes I feel like I am asking this question daily, when there are so many options or paths to walk and I just want to make sure I am “following His will.”
This idea of “following His will” has troubled me for quite some time now, especially since I have been on the field. As I look around and talk to my teammates or other workers and friends and family back in the States, I have realized that following His will is often a lot less complicated than we think.
Following His will, in my opinion, is simply following through on your motivation. We have all been gifted talents, strengths, and passions. As a Believer, our faith uses these attributes of who we are as motivation in ways to serve the Lord. Someone who is passionate and gifted in music is then motivated to use that talent to serve the Lord. Whether it’s volunteering for the worship band at church, giving music lessons to underprivileged kids, or any of the other various opportunities that come with such a gift, this is following the Lord’s will. There is no clear cut, illuminated path (at least there wasn’t for me). However, there are promptings, nudgings, and motivations we can follow through on and obey that lead us in the right direction.
My motivation for coming to the Horn of Africa was directly tied to my faith. I am sure that if you’re reading this, your decisions are also largely motivated by your faith. As we continue on and figure out our next steps, I pray that we are faithful with what we have been given today, obedient and active when our faith motivates our decisions, and thankful that the Lord is ever present, always near, and full of mercy!