As I read your story, it would appear that you are really asking several questions. I’ll attempt to treat them one by one. 1. Does God have a specific plan for us as His children? 2. Does He reveal Himself in the ways you have been experiencing? 3. If so, does He reveal a plan that doesn’t have to do with “spiritual ministry?” 4. What about your duty to your family?

1. Specific plan: I believe that God has a general will for everyone who is committed to follow Him, which includes keeping His commandments, loving Him with all our hearts, and seeking to be conformed to the image of His Son through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the lives of mature leaders in Scripture we see instances where they make decisions on the basis of what seems to be the right and logical thing to do, but God also gives specific instruction, especially when the situation appears to be out of the ordinary.

My wife and I are reading the Book of Joshua together in these days. Joshua was facing issues totally unfamiliar. The Lord gave him very specific guidance. Interestingly enough, when he made a decision on what seemed reasonable and logical (the matter of the Gibeonites) he made a great mistake! The text notes, “the Israelite leaders examined their bread [the evidence] but they did not consult the Lord” (Josh 9:14).

One of my favorite texts is Ps 138:8: “The Lord will work out His plans for my life…” Personally I believe the Lord has made us for a purpose, that He is more eager for us to find it than we are, and if we seek Him, He will indeed guide us.

2. Special revelation: All through the Bible we find God revealing Himself in many different ways to His servants. He seems to delight in variety. For many, if not most, He expects us to know His Word, be sensitive to His Spirit as we pray, and patterns develop that are consistent with His principles and our logical understanding, wise people concur, we experience what we interpret as His peace, and we go ahead.

Other people have experiences similar to what you have mentioned. I am glad that you “happened” to pick up the book by John Eldridge who shares accounts of others who have experienced God’s guidance in other ways. Although I don’t know John personally, I have read two of his books, my wife has attended a conference at his center, and I would consider him to be a mature and stable Christian.

As you noted, messages must always be laid alongside Scripture and be weighed against wisdom and common sense, though as we see in the life of Joshua, the leading in the conquest of Jericho must have seemed to some to be off the wall! I think your process of struggle with what you heard and your willingness to “surrender,” listen to the Lord, and be open to Him was a significant step and an experience of growth in faith.

Does this mean that I am endorsing your interpretations of these experiences? It is not for me to give you that imprimatur, but to say that God does lead people in specific and unusual ways. That, yes, I can say with confidence.

3. Revelation for “non-spiritual” activity. This raises the whole issue of what is “spiritual.” Is working in the lab to help find a solution to HIV/AIDS non-spiritual? It all depends, of course, on our definition. Whether this activity is a ministry that is serving God just as much as preaching a sermon, I would say it all depends on who is doing the research and for what motive. Paul says we are to do all for the glory of God, whether we eat or drink, rather “non-spiritual” activities. Many people in Scripture served the Lord in multiple occupations as their “calling.” The Puritan cabinet makers, I am told, after having finished a table, would carve in a hidden place in Latin, “for God’s greater glory.” If He should call you into research, it would be a magnificent way to serve Him. Also, I would say that one evidence of this being His call would be that it would give you great joy.

4. Duty to your family. This is always a “sticky wicket” as the English say, a difficult decision. On the one hand, we do have responsibility to our family, yet the Lord calls us to serve Him first. You will need to work this out with Him.

Your question has been long; my answer perhaps longer! However, the issues are real and I congratulate you on the seriousness with which you have responded to what appears to the Lord’s word coming to you.

I like the following sentence in your text: ”I have been advised to trust God and keep seeking His guidance. I have had my times of doubt, fear, but ultimately, when I surrender all to God, I know deep down that this is what He wants me to do.” In terms of the information you have given me, and based on my observations above, it would appear to me that you have found the Lord’s will for you.

Keep seeking Him; keep telling Him that more than anything else you want to serve and glorify Him, and if you get off the track, I’m sure He will show you.

Thanks again for writing, Christie.