What is God's Will? And Steps 1, 2, and 3

In learning Step 1 - I have had to turn over some pretty big things that I have no control over that in the past - I would have taken and run with. I would "muscle" through the things that I thought I could control and try to get the outcome I wanted.

Sometimes it worked. Sometimes - well - I think I thought it worked always. But I know this is not true now. It is impossible for me to decide if I am liked by others, get hired or promoted, it is impossible for me to control traffic, the opinions of others and the actions of others, it is impossible for me to worry about the news and change the world.

This does NOT mean I give up hope, faith and my part - action. I say "action" with a little hesitancy because it can be misconstrued as "controlling" or "manipulating" to get the outcome I want or desire. But with action I mean, that I have a part that I must play, if I want to achieve something, such as a new job. So, my action - to get a new job - might be; Get my resume together, talk to people, network, interview, explain how I can do the job, etc.

I have actions and parts I must take. I do all I can. But the outcome, well, that is not in my realm of ability to decide. So I pray and turn it over to God. But my prayer is not "God, get me the job." It is "God, show you me your will." This to me a combination of Steps 2 and 3.

This is a very, very, very (and repeat very 100 times here) new concept for me - this "God, show me your will" thing. Even as I type it - it goes against all I have learned and have made a part of me as routine. But truthfully, I KNOW I have no control as to whether that person will hire me over someone else. I can only do what I can do, up until a point. Again, this means that I am not controlling, nor manipulating. I only do the things that I can do - in a truthful, positive, manner. With "good intent."

I am going to end this post with my opinion. Of course this blog is my opinion. But I want to add hope to this post - in a well meaning way. So, here it is. I am "out there" - on a limb.

What if God wants us to be - well, er, um, "happy?" Sure he (or she), has given us some very large speed bumps on our path.

What if God will see us through whatever trials we are facing? We just have to "listen."

What if the God of our understanding, is a benevolent God? Not the God some of know from childhood as a vindictive God. Why would God be vindictive? He is waaay too powerful for us to even imagine, in my opinion, and vindictive or spiteful or jealous, is not even in his realm of possibilities.

I believe the God of my understanding will not find us guilty - only find us human.

I also believe that the God of my understanding is there -sending us messages - if we listen. And to let you know what I keep hearing and learning is the word - albeit - abstract because it is more of a feeling than a word - is "patience." Patience, dear Joseph. Patience. Patience. Patience. I keep feeling that word. I have learned this - when something happens - outside my control - and when I turn in over to God - because it is unmanageable and uncontrollable (Steps 1, 2 and 3).

What word or feeling are you getting? Sit silently. The feeling may take time to receive. But I am sure there a messages we are getting from the God of our understanding that will help us, if we listen. It does take time - though. And I am still learning - I will always be learning. Sent back to square one or two, just to learn some more.

Peace to you.