I don’t always know what God’s will is for me, but I always know what it’s not

Circulated within Twelve Step circles, this little exercise in logic opens a door. It can speak to the person who uses being unsure as a reason or excuse for their hesitancy or procrastination. The slogan narrows the scope by focusing on what can be eliminated and provides for a completely new way of thinking.  By eliminating half the equation, clarity can emerge. We can be more confident of what God does not want for us. Every possible distraction or mistake that you can rule out is of service to you.  The use of the word “always” leaves space for times when we do have confidence in our discernment of God’s will.  But it also holds us accountable for the more common action of ignoring God’s direction.  God wants us to take the Spirit seriously when we face new decisions and choices each day.

1 Peter 2:15

For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish.

As a pastor, particularly in the prison setting, when dealing with people in horrific situations, I would often begin by speaking of God’s will. I would say, with some strength, “This can’t be God’s will.” If somebody’s arrest were leading to a permanent separation between them and their child, I would say these words to try and keep the long-term and big picture as the focus.  Or, if it was someone offering plans that oozed of foolishness, I could use the very same words, “This can’t be God’s will,” as a challenge. Essentially, we don’t need to know everything that is right, to know that some things are wrong.  Once I was asked to “hear a confession… in advance.” Fearing the confession would be for murder, I refused. I stepped out of my normal place and lectured, believing that the man “knew better” and was grasping at justifications. I did this in contrast to wisdom that I often offer and normally seek to adhere to. “I had not walked a mile in his shoes” and the “kill or be killed” reality of his world was not mine.

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