My dad has been involved in prison ministry for over twenty-five years. He has built a rapport with the inmates that keep them coming to his class day after day. What’s not to love about a seventy-eight year-old Bible teacher who's been known to purposely approach the podium with his jeans sagging to expose boxer shorts, evoking laughter from his adoring fans? Dad is a well respected, four-time recipient of the “volunteer of the year” award in the central Florida prison system.
I once asked him, “How did you know it was God’s will for you to go into prison ministry? Did you have a sign? A ‘word’ from God?”
Dad’s answer made a lasting impression on me, and has affected the way I understand spiritual guidance.
“No,” he said. “I didn’t even pray about it. I saw a need and I was available to fill it.”
Don’t get me wrong. There is a time and place for praying and waiting to receive specific instruction before jumping at a good opportunity. If family or health is at stake, for instance, get God’s input. (I could write an entirely different post about the multitudes of worn-out people who never consult God about their endless activities.)
But a word to Christians who need a lightning bolt answer from Heaven before deciding whether to have tuna noodle casserole or ham loaf for dinner (take my advice and have neither): You’re freaking me out. Quit being so spooky, and wondering why your non-believing friends want nothing to do with your religion.
On simple matters of helping people, God already told us His will through the wise King Solomon long ago:
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” Proverbs 3:27
For those that still aren’t convinced, here is your word from God for today: JUST DO IT.