I used to think KNOWING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE was a topic for 20 somethings.  Well at 60 I still find myself asking God what assignment he has for me.  What will I be when I grow up?

Father,  What am I supposed to “PRUNE”?  Where and how much am I  “SOW NEW SEED”?  Those are the only two ways I know we can be fruitful — pruning and sowing… fail to do some of both and you lose fruit capacity.

In May 2012 I was coming out of a medical adventure that had started with over 7 days in ICU and led to months of rehab and therapy.  Some of my friends and my wife think I am still brain damaged… :{)  But that May I was seeking to determine what God would have for my next chapter.  I recently found the notes from a lunch with three wise friends — John Davidson, Harold Weaver and Robertson McQuilkin.  They let me ask questions and tell my story over our meal and then they shared from their experience.  I was writing notes as quickly as I could and failed to note who gave each insight.  But I am sure they do not mind sharing credit.

I have read these notes over in prayer several times since 2012 and now thought it might be good to share them with others.  I believe all of us have multiple chapters to our “book of life”.  You may gain some wisdom for reflecting on what God would have for your next one in these words from my friends.

GOD IS JUST AS INVOLVED IN MY LIFE WHETHER I RECOGNIZE IT OR NOT.

MY KNOWLEDGE WAS NOT THE KEY.  GOD WAS WORKING OUT HIS PLAN. MY HEART BEING COMMITTED TO HIM WAS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY KNOWING THE PLAN OR STEPS.  JUST REST IN KNOWING THAT HE IS LEADING.

OUR VISION WILL ALWAYS BE CLEARER OVER OUR PAST.  OUR FUTURE WILL ALWAYS BE UNCLEAR TO US BUT OUR FUTURE IS JUST AS CLEAR TO GOD AS OUR PAST.

ENJOY A SENSE OF PEACE IN THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE TRIP.  JUST KEEP YOUR HEART CENTERED ON JESUS.

LOOK FOR THREADS IN YOUR MINISTRY.  THESE ARE COMMON THEMES, PEOPLE, PASSIONS, AND CAUSES THAT COME UP OVER AND OVER; OFTEN IN VARIOUS FORMS.

JUST DO THE RIGHT THING WITHOUT KNOWING THE OUTCOME.

FORMS AND METHODS OF MINISTRY CHANGE.  THE CONTENT OF YOUR MINISTRY IS MORE STABLE.  GOD WILL OFTEN GIVE YOU DIFFERENT WAYS TO REVISIT, REFRESH OR PACKAGE IT.

THE what MAY NOT BE CLEAR BUT KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE who YOU ARE GIVING YOUR HEART TO FOLLOW.

BE EXCITED ABOUT THE BEING ON THE UNKNOWN.

GO WITH YOUR GIFTED PASSION AND AVOID ENERGY DRAINS.  THIS IS OFTEN EASIER TO DO AS YOU GET OLDER AND HAVE A MORE ESTABLISHED PLACE TO STAND.

INCREASE YOUR COMFORT LEVEL TO SAYING, “NO!”.  LIVE GUILT FREE TO FOCUS.  MOST FRUIT COMES FROM FOCUSED INTENTIONAL EFFORT.

THERE ARE NECESSARY ENDINGS.

SOME PEOPLE WILL NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR CHOICES.  DON’T LOOK FOR CONFIRMATION FROM AFFIRMATION.

Can you add to my list my friends gave me?