What is the Difference Between a Good Idea or a God Idea to Follow the Call of God

We all from time to time agonise over if we have had a good idea or a God idea. For those of us who seek to follow the call of God in all that we do, knowing the difference between a good idea and a God idea is central to our walk of faith.

A good idea is something that comes and then evaporates into nothingness. Good ideas are based on earthly wisdom and knowledge, past experiences and can ultimately lead us into a place of kingdom ineffectiveness.

I have had several good ideas in my life. I am prone to good ideas. These are not to say they are inherently bad, in fact, my good ideas are often God’s idea for someone else. Some of my favourite good ideas I have had over the years are:

• Becoming a TV camera operator – so I could get paid not to watch TV all day – 8 years old
• Running doughnut shop – so I could eat the doughnuts all-day
• Emu farming –  get the rich quick scheme.

They were childish, immature in nature. They were focused on the flesh looking to satisfy a personal desire or sometimes a selfish desire.

I have also had several God ideas.

God ideas are focused on producing fruit in the Kingdom of God. Each time I heard the clear voice of God. Each time there was a significant personal sacrifice to follow the call of God.

• Go to College
• Planting a Church
• Start a global ministry training College and call it Axx

How do you know the difference between a good idea and a God idea?

Here are 5 principles to help you Follow the Call with a God idea!

1. Personal desire and ambition must give way to the kingdom of God outcomes.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and all the other things will be added to you.

Ask yourself (and be honest with yourself) am I doing this to satisfy my desire and ambitions or am I doing this to serve and follow the call of God on my life. The ability to evaluate our own desires and filter them from Godly desires is so important. Often God links the two together but it is essential that we understand our own passions and desires before we attribute them to God.

2. God speaks and Godly counsel agrees.

Sometimes God speaks to us about great or amazing things we are going to do in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes this is difficult for people to see because they only see who we are not what God has called us to be. I found it useful not to give the end picture but the next step in what God is calling us to do.

Godly people can see the seed of calling, very few can see the end of the journey, that is often a still small voice between you and God.

3. Therefore, Time has come to follow the Call of God

Timing is the one common mistake that people make. Many people interpret the call of God as immediate. God spoke to King David when he was a shepherd. God speaks to a future that He sees for us. It was David’s willingness to be anointed by God that set the stage for him to become the greatest King of the Bible. Be willing to take steps in the direction of your calling when the time is right.

Timing is critical – Timing is everything

4. Listen for God’s plan or strategy,

God always gives the seed of an idea. God always gives us the ability to take the next step forward. First, there is the seed of an idea and then there is a God-given plan. God’s often gives us a plan to follow in part or in full. The key is not having a full plan before we start but to start walking in the plan that God has already revealed to us.

5. Now you have to be bold and courageous

For Joshua to enter his God promised he had to be bold and courageous. Bold and courageous comes at the end. Many people try to be bold and courageous before they have confirmed the call and direction of God over their lives. Bold and courageous is not about our strength but it is rather our strength in the one who sends us. Be bold and courageous in God.

To follow the call of God we need:

1. A desire to put the Kingdom of God first
2. The confirmation of people you trust.
3. A seed and a plan from God
4. A conviction that the time is now, and
5. A bold and courageous spirit

Follow the Call

Dr Brendan Roach

Joshua 1:6-7

⁶ “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. ⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.