Will God ever force you down a path where you're unhappy?

[RDKirk]

Where do you find that teaching in the bible "God helps those who help themselves"?

Franklinsense 12:23

 

[parsley]

Lol.

It's important to be obedient to what you know you have heard from God; but if you are not sure, then allow it to simmer. IMO if God were in a hurry for a decision, the message would be clearer.

Is there something at hand, in the forefront that's related to photography, that you need to pray over or attend a meeting for? Just go with the small steps to research the idea.

Remember that Noah built over many years. The boat didn't make sense when the land was dry, but then it didn't flood the minute he started planing the wood.

Find out whether one photography course could be used as an elective. If so, take one that could be used for both majors and non-majors if possible, so you won't lose time/money either way.

On the thought of photography not being appealing -- while it seems obviously a wrong choice, there were things I thought I hated that later turned out to be a large part of my life.

I left a major bc they were using machinery that I thought I'd never need, didn't grasp the purpose of, seemed more technical than I wanted to head into... then I ended up problem-solving in the early days of computers. Running from machines, then being immersed in them.

That applied to a few friendships too.
Figure out what you hate about it, and find out if that perception had merit.

But also -- be smart about all the time and money you're investing in your future.

I have seen a lot of recent job listings asking for video experience, directing photo shoots, and carrying cameras along to record data or gather promotional material. These were not photography jobs, but underrating of skills that were assumed, like a language or typing. You might need photo for what you want to do.

Just be careful of arguing with God before asking Him questions. He knows a lot.

 

[FredHoyle]

I think you will find that the Lord helps those who help themselves, try thinking for yourself, this has two benefits,
the first is you won't blame God if things do not go according to plan and the other is you will take responsibility for your own actions.

Where do you find that teaching in the bible "God helps those who help themselves"?

It's not in the bible it's what's called 'common sense'.
What do you think would happen if you sat around all day waiting for God to do something? nothing would happen.

 

[RDKirk]

It's not in the bible it's what's called 'common sense'.
What do you think would happen if you sat around all day waiting for God to do something? nothing would happen.

"Common sense" is what people without God are using.

 

[FredHoyle]

"Common sense" is what people without God are using.

Have you abandoned 'common sense'? I know I haven't.

 

[parsley]

I think you will find that the Lord helps those who help themselves...you won't blame God if things do not go according to plan and the other is you will take responsibility for your own actions.

While God wants us to lean on Him, there are many many details of life that He doesn't dictate robotically. Too much guidance would remove free will.

People raised sheep, woke up to a rooster, sold spices in the marketplace... daily life went on. We can listen for God continually, but if we try to find an answer from God continually for each detail, we will drive ourselves insane.

You are not asking about a detail of course, but the logic is the same. There are parts of our lives that God wants us to make choices in. We are made in His image, and He is a creator. Creators make unique decisions.

 

[RDKirk]

Have you abandoned 'common sense'? I know I haven't.

What is common sense? Is your common sense the same as that of someone raised in North Korea, Japan, or Kenya?

 

[FredHoyle]

Have you abandoned 'common sense'? I know I haven't.

What is common sense? Is your common sense the same as that of someone raised in North Korea, Japan, or Kenya?

I ask you a question and you answer by asking a question!
I have a feeling this is how you were raised, you asked questions but no one answered them all they did was ask you another question, like.....Q-where is God? A-where do you think God is?

You like most Christians don't have any answers only questions that no one can answer.
You believe but you really don't know what it is you believe, you believe in a God but you don't know what a God is.

 

[RDKirk]

I ask you a question and you answer by asking a question!
I have a feeling this is how you were raised, you asked questions but no one answered them all they did was ask you another question, like.....Q-where is God? A-where do you think God is?

You like most Christians don't have any answers only questions that no one can answer.
You believe but you really don't know what it is you believe, you believe in a God but you don't know what a God is.

Well, I'll give it to you as a statement:

What you think is "common sense" where you are is not what people in other places think is "common sense" at all. If you take what you think is "common sense" to Japan, the people there will think you a fool or a boor.

There is no such thing as "common sense," except that which is pure reaction of the flesh. If you follow "common sense," you're following only your flesh or your local worldly teachings.

 

[FredHoyle]

What you think is "common sense" where you are is not what people in other places think is "common sense" at all. If you take what you think is "common sense" to Japan, the people there will think you a fool or a boor.

There is no such thing as "common sense," except that which is pure reaction of the flesh. If you follow "common sense," you're following only your flesh or your local worldly teachings.

Is it a good idea to put your finger in boiling water? think.......and you will see that common sense is universal.

 

[RDKirk]

Is it a good idea to put your finger in boiling water? think.......and you will see that common sense is universal.

Now, what did I just say that you even quoted--but apparently did not read or understand--note the red below:

Originally Posted by RDKirk

What you think is "common sense" where you are is not what people in other places think is "common sense" at all. If you take what you think is "common sense" to Japan, the people there will think you a fool or a boor.

There is no such thing as "common sense," except that which is pure reaction of the flesh. If you follow "common sense," you're following only your flesh or your local worldly teachings.
​

 

[FredHoyle]

I will say again:
You like most Christians don't have any answers only questions that no one can answer.

You believe but you really don't know what it is you believe, you believe in a God but you don't know what a God is,
if you think about it 'God' is just a word without meaning for you, describe to yourself what you are calling 'God'.
All you can do is say the words you have been taught to say without really understanding what they mean.

 

[RDKirk]

I will say again:
You like most Christians don't have any answers only questions that no one can answer.

You believe but you really don't know what it is you believe, you believe in a God but you don't know what a God is,
if you think about it 'God' is just a word without meaning for you, describe to yourself what you are calling 'God'.
All you can do is say the words you have been taught to say without really understanding what they mean.

And you say that without even heard my definition of "God?"

Interesting how well you do that long-distance mind-reading thing.

 

[FredHoyle]

And you say that without even heard my definition of "God?"

Interesting how well you do that long-distance mind-reading thing.

It has nothing to do with mind reading and everything to do with knowing what you and I know,
your idea of a god is no better or worse than mine, we can both imagine a god but mine would be nothing like yours because we have different ideas of what a god is, we have both read the bible so we will be influenced mostly by that, we will endow our gods with all the things the bible tells us a god should have and we will both add a few things more, that's why no two gods are alike because all of our gods come from our own brains.

 

[Godislove94]

Can we please not turn this into one long argument? It seems this has gone awry.

 

[graciesings]

I know should read the Bible and pray more when thinking about these things, but perhaps I'm just very stubborn...

As I prepare to go back to college this spring, I'm very unsure of what major I should declare once I'm done taking general coursework. I was a music major before my conversion, and since I've been saved I feel like God is telling me that He is no longer permitting me to pursue that major. I keep getting the feeling that I am supposed to be a photography major, but the thought of it makes me so incredibly unhappy. He has used this activity to bring two people into my life whom needed ministering to, so I'm wondering if He's calling me to do this full time...maybe He's breaking me of my selfishness and teaching me how to further deny myself, I don't know. I can't see myself making a career out of it, but I don't know that somewhere in my future God already has a photography job picked out for me and I have to trust Him and force myself to pursue it out of obedience even if I am miserable doing it. So what do you think, is God forcing me down this path to break me of selfishness and reach the lost even if I'm not happy, or am I imagining all of it? Am I selfish for pursuing a career as and being happy as a musician even if the talent He gave me isn't directly being used to bring the lost to Christ?

In General: Every time God's given me a hard assignment, He's given me what I need to handle it. Sometimes that's joy, sometimes it's strength, and sometimes it's commitment. I ask for no more than that He would use my hands, and give me what I need to do His work.

In this particular situation: This might just be my practical side taking over, but I would hesitate to say that God is calling you to be a photography major? I don't know. However, I do know that every time He's called me to something, there's been a reason. If He wants me to join a certain church, there's a person there who will help me or who I'll help. If He wants me to pursue a certain career, I will serve Him through it some day. I don't know how this is with you, but usually when God calls me to do a certain thing, He gives me a general idea that I will serve Him for being there. Look for that!
There are times when God gives us obedience training. However, that is not always the case. Pray about it! I can't stress that enough! Also, are you sure that God is planning to use you as a photographer? I suppose it is possible, but it seems to me that other professions may do more for the Lord's cause.
On the practical note, keep in mind that a photography major won't give you a very high paying job, if there is any money in it. Music would pay higher, most professional musicians that I know make about 20k a year. (However, if you want money, switch to something math or practical.)

In Everything: Rejoice always, pray without stopping, and in everything give thanks. That is God's will for you. (1 Thess. 5:16-18) Pray that God will tell you whether this is His actual direction. Ask Him to use your hands to do His work. Thank Him for the gifts He's given you. Sometimes, it may make sense to ask God to give you a sign revealing what He wants you to do.

God bless you,
Grace

 

[PrudenceAnn]

Ok, so the way I see this is... God's Will always prevails. As much as our life plans are important to us, it is God's Plan that is of actual importance... And God's Plan will weave its way into our lives, regardless of the choices we make.

I agree with the other posters when they say "pray"... and would also add that you should listen. Something I only recently learned to do in prayer is to stop talking and start listening. Sometimes in can be hard to focus as outside influences tend to interrupt when one is trying to listen... And God is not going to shout... to help me with this, I have been using the well known Psalm 46, 10 "be still and know that I am God". I also agree that you should look at all your options, and take council from others in your life. From personal experience... I pursue both photography and music... And find they are complimentary.

I hope that you find your answers, and that they lead you to happiness. Please do not be afraid... If you follow the Way of love, you have no need to fear...

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." (1 John 4:18 ESV)

 

[Godislove94]

Ok, so the way I see this is... God's Will always prevails. As much as our life plans are important to us, it is God's Plan that is of actual importance... And God's Plan will weave its way into our lives, regardless of the choices we make.

I agree with the other posters when they say "pray"... and would also add that you should listen. Something I only recently learned to do in prayer is to stop talking and start listening. Sometimes in can be hard to focus as outside influences tend to interrupt when one is trying to listen... And God is not going to shout... to help me with this, I have been using the well known Psalm 46, 10 "be still and know that I am God". I also agree that you should look at all your options, and take council from others in your life. From personal experience... I pursue both photography and music... And find they are complimentary.

I hope that you find your answers, and that they lead you to happiness. Please do not be afraid... If you follow the Way of love, you have no need to fear...

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." (1 John 4:18 ESV)

Thanks, I like this....my discernment is very poor and the hardest part is being able to know when God is talking even when it's completely quiet. How do I know?

 

[PrudenceAnn]

Thanks, I like this....my discernment is very poor and the hardest part is being able to know when God is talking even when it's completely quiet. How do I know?

Listening to God can be hard. It isn't just the outside influences that prevent it, but those inside us too. One of my problems was (sometimes still is) that I can be very logical, very reasonable and slightly cynical. These can be good traits when used appropriately, but they do get in the way when trying to listen to God. They are like defences to protect the ego... And as the ego is of the flesh, they will and do prevent one from being able to listen to God. Many other human traits can do the same. When I feel this is the case, I take it to God. I tell Him that I am having difficulty hearing Him... and I tell Him why. Just as He doesn't shout, He also doesn't refuse to speak because of difficulties of the flesh. As we know from the story in Mark 9, the smallest seed of faith is enough for God. He will not ever reject anyone that comes to Him.

“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23, 24 NIV).

Remember, our human condition is not God's condition... Even when we feel like we can't hear Him, He can hear us.

As for how the voice of God can be distinguished... People seem to have different experiences of this. Some say that have heard an audible voice (I have never had an audible voice). Some experiences seem more subtle than that... For example, feeling lead towards a certain Scripture in prayer... Asking a question and suddenly, inexplicably knowing the answer... Some say they have seen visions in their mind's eye... Some hear nothing immediately, but dream. The key for me, is that no matter how God is communicating with you, the presence of God is unlike anything that can be explained away. He is perfect peace, wholeness, love, joy... Indeed, these words do not do Him justice. When I speak with God I am complete in a way that logic defies. It also doesn't matter what the answer is... Even if it isn't the one my ego wanted... When the answer is from God, joyful submission is the only option.

I fear my words are woefully inadequate and that this response is not what you were looking for... I hope I have been able to communicate something to you.


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV)

 

[peterandrewj]

I personally believe we all have one calling, a heavenly calling, to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Only the disciples/Apostles were called by Jesus straight into ministry. Everyone else had to be converted, had to first be partakers of the fruits, had to be found faithful, before Jesus put them in the ministry. Those folks were not called they were sent.

I would recommend for Godislove94 to pursue music as a career, and to live the word and look to Jesus to know the will of God. God's ways are not in the world, and neither is his lead.