Some years ago Denalyn and I were a signature away from moving from one house to another. The structure was nice, and the price was fair. It seemed a wise move. But I didn't feel peaceful about it. The project stirred unease and restlessness. I finally drove to the builder's office and removed my name from his list. To this day I can't pinpoint the source of the discomfort. I just didn't feel peaceful about it.
A few months ago I was asked to speak at a racial unity conference. I intended to decline but couldn't bring myself to do so. The event kept surfacing in my mind like a cork in a lake. Finally I agreed. Returning from the event, I still couldn't explain the impression to be there. But I felt peaceful about the decision, and that was enough.
Sometimes a choice just "feels" right. When Luke justified the writing of his gospel to Theophilus, he said, "Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account fro you, most excellent Theophilus" (1:3).
Did you note the phrase "it seemed good also to me"? These words reflect a person standing at a crossroads. Luke pondered his options and selected the path that "seemed good".
Jude did likewise. He intended to dedicate his epistle to the topic of salvation, but he felt uneasy with the choice. Look at the third verse of his letter.
Dear friends, I wanted very much to write you about the salvation we all share. But I felt the need to write you about something else: I want to encourage you to fight hard for the faith that was given the holy people of God once and for all time.
Again the language. "I wanted... But I felt..." From whence came Jude's feelings? Did they not come from God? The same God who "is working in you to help you want to do... what pleases him" (Phil 2:13). God creates the "want to" within us.
Be careful with this. People have been known to justify stupidity based on a feeling. "I felt God leading me to cheat on my wife... disregard my bills... lie to my boss... flirt with my married neighbor." Mark it down: God will not lead you to violate his Word. He will not contradict his teaching. Be careful with the phrase "God led me..." Don't banter it about. Don't disguise your sin as a leading of God. He will not lead you to lie, cheat, or hurt.
But he will faithfully lead you through the words of his Scripture and the advice of his faithful.
By: Max Lucado
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