I am often asked and even wonder myself, “Am I doing what God wants me to do?” I really love it when God is crystal clear in what He wants me to do, but that doesn’t happen as often as I would like. I ask for signs that I am doing the right thing. I worry that the ripple effect of my choices will backfire and leave me in a worse place. This leaves me thinking, “God, should I?” 

We recently sold our cabin. We would rent it out when we weren’t there, and it started to feel like a burden especially to my husband. He carried the burden of the work. As I asked God, “Should we

When we made the decision, I think many around us were surprised and thought we were in haste. There were ways for us to keep it, if that was our choice. This choice was about lifting a burden, so on the market it went. The sale went very quickly, and brought with it all the stress of selling. It has also brought us peace, and an unexpected assurance to make other tough decisions for our family to lift burdens. There was also the fun decision, at least for my husband, to build a pole barn. 

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. (Hebrews 4:3 NIV).

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

I spent years simply asking God, “What should I do?” I expected specific answers because I was His servant and to do His will. I didn’t want to disappoint Him or do something wrong. He has since shown me that there is more to our relationship. I am more than a servant. I am His daughter and there is joy is us creating together. There are a variety of choices we can make together that will build relationships, love and grace.

This is not to say that there are not times when God asks us to do something specific. This type of discernment only comes with spending time in prayer, reading scripture, listening for God’s guidance and even seeking the counsel of others. Discernment is tricky. Love and grace are good barometers.  Yes, it takes practice, and yes, it brings joy to the relationship. 

I’m learning to enjoy the process with Him and not be burdened with should I.