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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tabitha on August 4, 2003, at 12:45:20
Hi all. I'm curious about the notion of finding God's will for us as individuals. I never understood it. They talk a lot about it in 12 steps and I just never got it. I thought, OK, so you sit down and pray, and wait for some answer, and then how are you sure the answer you get is God's will and not just your own desire in disguise? What's the difference anyway? And I have to admit I was just plain skeptical that any old Joe could ask and receive divine guidance on matters large and small.
A friend told me that god's will for him means doing what he feels he's meant to do, like finding a calling (for him the calling is painting). That when he does this, he feels that all is right with the universe. So he says he knows it's god's will for him to paint. That makes sense to me, since I'm happiest taking cues from my intuition.
I'm 40 and going thru some midlife issues-- the burning question being-- what do I want to do with the rest of my life? How should I spend my time? Why am I here?
I've quit my job and one of the reasons is that I seem to get more clarity about myself when I don't have the daily stressors of the job. I'm hoping to get some sense of direction before the money runs out and I have to re-enter the work force.
I love this idea that I might in fact have a purpose-- at least a path that's more right than other paths. A profession, or a calling. Something unique to contribute. Unique gifts that will not only make the world (or someone else's life) a better place, but that will be fulfilling to me also.
It feels like a big leap of ... not sure of the word... faith? arrogance almost? to think that there might be a calling for me. And that the life force/ god/ mystery / whatever might actually help me find it.
I'm looking for signs. I'm praying (tentatively) for clues.
Thoughts anyone? Do you have a sense of purpose? Do you feel the creator helped you find it?
Posted by rayww on August 4, 2003, at 15:01:20
In reply to Why am I here? God's will.. etc.., posted by Tabitha on August 4, 2003, at 12:45:20
Think of the perfect harmony and balance in nature. Each plant, insect, animal has it's perfect place and purpose in the ecosystym. Humans are no different. If we try to "fit" into our natural ecosystem, certain things will agree. My own will should line up with what is God's will for me if I am living in harmony with my surroundings. My surroundings are my own place in the universe.
There is perfect balance in the heart of nature. Through the gradual unfolding of understanding and wisdom, we gently press toward that center of existance where we can feel a oneness with God. To exist in rhythm with nature while surviving in a world of turmoil brings a peace that only those who have conquered this amazing maze can feel.
The amazing maze is the pathway to that oneness with God, where our will falls into line with His will for us. Most natural beings tend to resist this, fight it, rebel against it, etc.
Truth lights the path, and it is very real.
Posted by Tabitha on August 5, 2003, at 11:56:05
In reply to Re: Why am I here? God's will.. etc.., posted by rayww on August 4, 2003, at 15:01:20
Posted by Tabitha on August 6, 2003, at 13:12:34
In reply to Re: Why am I here? God's will.. etc.., posted by rayww on August 4, 2003, at 15:01:20
Oops, I hit 'no message' instead of 'add name of previous poster' by accident before.
Rayww, I just wanted to say your post was lovely and poetic. Thank you.
Posted by tire on August 21, 2003, at 7:04:52
In reply to Why am I here? God's will.. etc.., posted by Tabitha on August 4, 2003, at 12:45:20
People now a day would like everyone to believe that we can be one with God simply by searching deeper within ourselves. This is unfortunate and untrue. All of us are created in God's own image, and we all have a void within ourselves that each of us is trying to fulfill. Some of us fill this void with sex, drugs, money, friends, religion, perfection, etc., but this void is made for the only One and True God to fill. Everything else leaves us empty and hopeless, we run around wondering why we feel empty. How can we fill this void in our lives with something that is a temporary fulfillment? It's seems rather unproductive. God is eternal and when he fills that void in your heart he gives you hope and peace that no one can imitate.
Because of all of our repeated failures, God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to set us free of our failures. Because of His death and resurrection we all can have eternal hope, without Him we will never have the peace that God intended us to have.
"Everyone who calls on the Name of Lord will be saved." God provided us all with a way out, a perfect escape from our imperfections. Jesus takes all that away and gives us real light, light that He created. Many people hold on to a false light, a light that looks appetizing but it's poison and they feel even more alone than they previously did. Hope is only found with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Everyone who finds his life will loose it, but whoever looses his life for my (Jesus) sake will find it." Many people say they need to find themselves, but I assure you that you will be searching for years with continued failure. Jesus offers us hope, and that hope is if we loose our life for His sake we will find what our purpose is in our own life. This simply means we live for Jesus, we give everything to Him. He will show you the direction your life should go.
Simply ask Jesus to reign in your life and that you want to please Him solely. It's a long rough road, but a road you will never regret walking down. Read the Bible, I suggest starting with: Genesis, John or Luke, Acts, Romans and Revelation. This gives us somewhat of a clear understanding to God's plan for our lives.
Don’t just read this, really look into who God is. Various different types of people will give you a lot of feel good garbage, and you feel good for a short while but in time that feeling fades. God gives you His light of life and I assure you that God will unveil His purpose for your life…but only if you put your faith and trust in His risen Son Jesus Christ. There are other gods people think you need to follow, but they are man made and hold no eternal value for one’s life.
Tabitha, God made you for His purpose and will. Before He created the world He knew all about you and He also knew that when you turned 40 you would have these questions. I just stumbled upon your thoughts and questions on this web site—this is not by accident. With God there are no accidents, He has a place set aside just for you if you’ll let Him in. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
May God use you as an instrument for His perfect will.
Tim
Posted by Dena on August 21, 2003, at 16:32:07
In reply to Why am I here? God's will.. etc.., posted by Tabitha on August 4, 2003, at 12:45:20
Tabitha -
I just read this post of yours - you must have written it while I was banned the last time.
You wrote: "I love this idea that I might in fact have a purpose-- at least a path that's more right than other paths. A profession, or a calling. Something unique to contribute. Unique gifts that will not only make the world (or someone else's life) a better place, but that will be fulfilling to me also.
It feels like a big leap of ... not sure of the word... faith? arrogance almost? to think that there might be a calling for me. And that the life force/ god/ mystery / whatever might actually help me find it.
I'm looking for signs. I'm praying (tentatively) for clues."
I can only share with you my own beliefs & experience. Here goes:Yes, yes, YES, you definitely have a purpose! You were designed by a loving Creator who has a wonderful made-just-specifically-for-you purpose that will fit you better than your own skin! He designed this purpose for you as if you're the only person in the whole universe He cares about. He made you & has the most wonderful plan you could possible imagine for your life. He made you for His plan & He made the plan for you. Anything you could come up with on your own would pale in comparison. It's about much more than your profession, or your talents, or your hobbies - it's about who you are, your destiny, your calling, your meaning for existing, your purpose for now & forever. It's not at all arrogant to want to become who you were meant to be & to do what you were meant to do. That longing in your heart to know who you are, who put you here, all that was put in your heart by the Creator. But here's the catch - it's on His terms, not yours.
You're on the right path - you're asking questions, looking for answers, seeking the one you sense has all the answers for you.
Keep asking, keep knocking, keep seeking & you'll find.
A good place to start might be the very website you suggested we check out, the one on loving more & being more loving. I browsed through the whole site & was amazed at what I read. Start at the home page & go where it leads you - a mind-blowing journey!
The Creator wants you to find Him, Tabitha. He wants an intimate relationship with you. And once you have that, all the pieces of your life will fall into place.
You asked: "Thoughts anyone? Do you have a sense of purpose? Do you feel the creator helped you find it?"
Yes, I have a sense of purpose. I have confidence in who I am, what I'm supposed to be doing, & trust that if I get off the path, He'll lead me back onto it. Yes, the Creator helped me find it. Mostly He used other people to give me suggestions. He put others in my path who had the kind of life I wanted for myself. I asked them how they got it, & they told me. That website you talked about can tell you about a way to get the purposeful life you are so hungry for.
May the One who made you lead you to Him.
Shalom, Dena
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 22, 2003, at 1:13:20
In reply to Re: Why am I here? God's will.. etc.. » Tabitha, posted by tire on August 21, 2003, at 7:04:52
> Hope is only found with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
>
> God will unveil His purpose for your life…but only if you put your faith and trust in His risen Son Jesus Christ. There are other gods people think you need to follow, but they are man made and hold no eternal value for one’s life.The idea here is support, so please don't put down the beliefs of others. Sorry, but this may mean not posting some aspects of your own beliefs. Thanks,
Bob
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