Do You Really Want to Know

Faced with some major decisions, my husband and I went away to a beach side cottage to seek the Lord for answers. We had a sense of what God was saying and where He was leading, but we wanted more than a hunch to step out on. We wanted a clear, specific word from the Lord.

During this time of prayer, I felt the Lord ask, “Do you really want to know?” It seemed a strange question to ask when we were there specifically to get answers. It dawned on me, however, that the vagueness of the Lord's guidance was part of His mercy. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now you say, ‘We see’ therefore your sin remains” (John 9:41). In a similar fashion Jesus spoke in parables to hide truth, rather than reveal it (Matthew 13:10-12). By doing so, the casual listener was protected from accountability for truth they were not ready to embrace. 

It is our inability to see clearly that protects us from accountability. When the guidance of the Lord is veiled and vague, our responsibility to respond is lessened. There is room for us to process our desires and consider options. We can keep doing what we are doing, or we can lean in for more insight. In the process of seeking more, our hearts are positioned to walk in obedience to what is revealed. Simply put, what we don't know, we are not accountable for. However, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17). 

The gentleness of the Lord’s leading provides us with freedom in our relationship, and a platform for faith. It fosters a heart-based response where we step out on a word, impression, or inner peace, believing it is Him. This delights His heart. It also provides protection from accountability. When His will is clear, it is no longer a question of what to do, but rather, will we do it? This is a very different realm. It requires that we obey what has been clearly revealed.

The next time we just want God to tell us what to do, then maybe we need to recognise His mercy and goodness. He will only reveal what we are willing to carry. He is well able to make His intentions clear, but sometimes He uses His vagueness as an invitation to draw close, learn of His ways and hear His heart.