Okay so it has been a long time since the last time that I blogged and it will probably be a while longer because I am on my way to Uyuni tomorrow (amazingly I usually blog when I travel). To save a little face I have had this brewing in me for a while. I am a horrible blogger. I guess you could say that I am more of a Facebook. But I did notice something the other day a natural tendency that I have that was blog worthy.
I give advice that I would never follow myself. I know that may sound strange but let me explain.
The other day I had a potential missionary come up and ask me my advice about an opportunith they had. To make a long story short they had been presented an opportunity to do something that they had always desired to do in the area of ministry but they had to leave all they had, quit their job and take a number of risks. I advised them that it would be best to maintain their security and steady income. There were too many risks and to not make things any harder than they needed to be.
As I gave that advice to the potential missionary I can remember thinking “that is great advice but I would not do that”. I remember not too long ago being given the same opportunity and deciding to do the exact opposite. Before we came to the field I quit my job and for three months lived completely by faith as we traveled looking for people to partner with us and prepared to come to Bolivia.
As I thought about it I found peace in the fact that I did not give bad advice. I was not able to hear for that potential missionary what God was saying to them personally. The error was on the part of the potential missionary. He asked the wrong question. Instead of asking “what should I do in this situation” he should have asked “what would you do in my situation “. What I thought he should do is play it safe but what I would have done is take the risk. Amazing how the two questions seem the same but are actually very different.
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Huh. yeah. I preface answers to questions like this, “Well, I’m not your Holy Spirit …”
It’s as much a reminder to me as to them that the answers to actually follow are found with Him and not in another person’s brain. And if the Holy Spirit uses what I say and confirms it inside of them … it was the Holy Spirit they heard, not me. If there’s no confirmation – neither one of us got confused. 
I like not having that pressure.
PS: I don’t think you’re a terrible blogger. But I have missed you.
It is very true that how a question is posed is important.
I am glad to see you post again.
I hope your time away is refreshing.
Good post DaRonn! Glad you had a moment to blog. Have a great time on your trip! I’m sure you MORE than deserve a day or two off!!
Good to see you blogging again!
Good point. The phrasing of the question is very important.
Annie,
Ain’t that the truth. Many times I tell people not to ask me my advice because they probably will not want to hear it. And I am working on the blog thing. Helps to know that there are people out there reading them.
Carin,
I am trying the posting thing again. The time away was refreshing. I need to do more of it.
Libby,
Thanks. I do not know if I deserve it or not but I took them anyway. Was good to get away. Sort of a power vacation. 4 days but good days.
Rehanna,
Thanks.
Angie,
It makes a big difference.
Annie,
Thanks for the comment. When we first started working here in Bolivia we did not speak spanish but everyone thought that we did. So when they came up rambling to us we would say “what is God saying”. The funny thing is it worked every time. They would say “thanks so much for the advice!” even though we had no clue what they were says. I guess it works.
Carin,
It is so true how you say the question that makes all the difference.
Libby,
It was a refreshing time for us. Just the right ammount of days.
Rehanna,
Thanks for noticing.
Angie,
Thanks babe.
That’s awesome!! Point #1 of counseling: ask questions. People think you are the fantastic conversationalist! Haha!