1. Did you have an intense all consuming desire for the work of God?

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. I Timothy 3:1.

It is not natural to want to be a missionary. The thought may cross many people’s minds but the truth is that it is only a fleeting thought quickly and easily dismissed by most. It is God who has worked in us both to will (or to put a desire in us that is not natural to us) and do his good pleasure. God placed something in our heart that we could not get away from.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Many of us were afraid. Many of us doubted but He did something in us. Don’t you dare doubt that when the trouble comes. Don’t you doubt in the night what God gave you in the light. This desire was so great we couldn’t get it out of our hearts and minds.

By Charles Brock

Indigenous Church Planting A Practical Journey p. 20

1. The greatest joy and contentment are found in the center of God’s will.

2. The safest place on earth is the center of God’s will.

3. Our children will always be under God’s watch care if we, the parents, are in His will.

4. God will not call us to do anything for which He will not give sufficient strength.

5. Life is too short and eternity too long to live for self

6. My wife realized a joy from sharing in our sons’ education that she would never have known had we stayed in the States. In the task God made her more than able, even to the point of enjoying it.

7. Only the continuing, clear call of God would keep us on the mission field.

1. I seek to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in a given matter. When you’re ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be, nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome.

2. Having done this, I don’t leave the result to feeling or simply impression. If I do so, I leave myself liable to great delusion.

3. I seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, God’s Word. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Spirit guides us, He’ll do it according to the Scriptures, not contrary to them.

4. Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me.

6. Thus, through prayer, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment, according to the best of my ability and knowledge.

If my mind is thus at peace, and continues after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly.

I have found this method always effective in trivial or important issues.