A Good Thing or a God Thing
How do we know the difference?
Do you have a hard time saying no to people? Do you feel obligated to do everything that you are asked to do? As “church people”, we often feel pressured to commit to things because we feel like saying yes is the right thing to do. Or we think if something is a good idea, it must be meant for us to do it. I read something recently that reminded me how important it is to pray for wisdom and guidance before committing to something, even if it does seem like a great thing.
In 2 Chronicles 6, David expresses his desire to build a temple for the LORD, which sounds like a wonderful, God-inspired plan. However, the prophet of the LORD came to David with this message from God. “Your intention is good, but you are not the one to do it” (v.8-9 NLT). What David desired to do was a good thing, but God had not called him to do it. He had, in fact, called his son Solomon to build the Temple for Him. Right heart, wrong man for the job.
Does knowing the difference really matter?
David wanted to do something for God, but God had planned for someone else to be the one to do it. Had David gone ahead with his plans, not only would he be doing it without God’s calling on him, but he would also have been robbing his son of the blessing of doing it. Food for thought… what we want to do may be a good thing and yet not be a God thing. If God is not calling us to do it, we shouldn’t be the one doing it. This is why seeking His will is so important.
David’s desire to build the Temple was a good thing but as it turns out, it wasn’t a God thing. That’s because God had someone else in mind for the job. Sometimes, it’s hard to distinguish between what is a good thing and what is a God thing. This is why it is so important to pray for God’s guidance and will. We need to learn to pause and pray before we say yes to something. If God is calling you to do it, then by all means, do it. Don’t shirk from His calling and miss out on doing His will.
But at the same time, it is important to know that you are the one He is calling to do the job. If we say yes to something that He hasn’t called us to do, we can rob someone else of an opportunity. Obviously, I don’t mean you have to refuse to help every time your needed because “God hasn’t called you to do it”. What I mean is this. It is important to prayerfully consider if something is God’s will, before rushing into it. Don’t plan to build a temple if you aren’t the one who is supposed to be building it.
How can I know the difference?
Jesus Himself said in John 5:30, “I can do nothing on my own… because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” I believe Jesus is our ultimate example. If He sought God’s will, how much more do we need to? There will be a great many things God will call you to do in your lifetime, my friend, some of which will lead you far beyond your comfort zone. Don’t hesitate to follow where He leads. It will be worth it every single time.
But there will also be times that He whispers to your heart, “your intention is good, but you are not the one to do it.” And you know what, my friend? It will be perfectly okay for you to listen to Him and say, “No, I can’t do this.” Remember, what we want to do may be a good thing and yet not be a God thing. It is important to know the difference, and the only way to know for sure, is to be led by His Spirit. To be led by His Spirit, we must learn to pause and pray before responding.
Hmm, pause and pray before responding. Sounds like great advice for every area our lives. May we all do our best to follow this advice in the days and weeks ahead. May we all be challenged to want to know the difference between a good thing and a God thing. Let’s challenge ourselves to seek to know the difference in order to give our best time and attention to the things He is leading us to do for Him and for His kingdom.
What does His Word say about it?
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. Romans 12:2
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph. 5:17
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Katrina Douglas
