The Life Of David: The Sad Tale Of The Stubborn | Pastor Nate Keeler
Every day, we’re faced with countless decisions, from how we spend our time to how we respond to challenges. But at the root of these choices lies a single, powerful question: Am I living God’s way, or am I living my way? This question might seem simple at first glance, but it carries enormous weight. The path we choose influences our peace, our purpose, and even our legacy.
No Middle Ground: The Reality of Our Choices
Many of us like to believe there’s a third option—a way to blend God’s guidance with our personal preferences. We think we can follow God when it’s convenient and take control when it’s not. But Scripture is clear: we’re either pursuing God’s way or we’re not.
As Jesus taught His disciples, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). There’s no in-between. Each choice reflects either surrender to God’s will or reliance on our own limited understanding. And the difference between the two paths couldn’t be greater.
The Temptation to Choose Our Way
Let’s be honest: following God’s way can feel slow, difficult, and even painful at times. We see this in stories from our own lives and those around us. Maybe you’ve prayed for financial provision, but the answers haven’t come as quickly as you’d like. The temptation is to overwork, cut corners, or compromise your integrity to achieve what you think you need.
Perhaps you’re waiting for a godly relationship, but loneliness presses in. Lowering your standards or settling for someone who doesn’t share your values starts to feel reasonable. Or maybe God’s prompting you to address a conflict or extend forgiveness, but it feels easier to ignore the problem or hold onto resentment.
Each of these situations reflects the daily battle we face: God’s way or my way?
What Happens When We Choose Our Way
We often think that doing things our way will bring quicker, better results. But what we usually find instead is disappointment, regret, and pain. Many of us can point to times when choosing our own path led to broken relationships, financial stress, or spiritual emptiness. Like Frank Sinatra, who once boasted of doing things “My Way” and later sang the same song as an apology, we come to realize that self-reliance often leaves us empty.
And here’s the hard truth: the root of this temptation is a lack of trust. When we choose our way, we’re essentially saying we don’t believe God’s way is best. We don’t trust His timing, His goodness, or His plan for our lives.
How to Know God’s Way: Four Anchors
If choosing God’s way is so vital, how do we recognize it? God hasn’t left us in the dark. He provides clear handholds to guide us.
- Search for God’s Way in His Word
The Bible isn’t just a book of ancient stories. It’s God’s guide for our lives. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals His heart, His standards, and His direction for the choices we face. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the clearer His way becomes. - Seek God’s Way Through Persistent Prayer
James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” But wisdom doesn’t always come instantly. Persistent prayer—prayer that continues day after day, sometimes accompanied by fasting or quiet reflection—opens our hearts to God’s direction. - Listen for God’s Way in Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 tells us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Surround yourself with people who know God’s Word and know you. Their insights can help you see what you might miss on your own. - Follow God’s Way Through His Work
Look around. Where is God already at work? Like the young man who sensed God’s call to start a college ministry, sometimes God invites us to join in what He’s already doing. When we align with His work, we find our place in His larger story.
Real-Life Example: The Barn Ministry
Consider the story of The Barn, a college ministry that sprang up from one young man’s vision. At first, it seemed impractical—there was no budget, no plan. But through prayer and obedience, what began as a small idea turned into a gathering of hundreds of students worshiping God together. This ministry didn’t emerge from human plans. It grew because someone chose to follow God’s way and because a church chose to support what God was doing.
Why God’s Way Is Worth It
Following God’s way doesn’t mean life will be free of challenges. David, called a man after God’s own heart, faced betrayal, hardship, and waiting. But he experienced God’s faithfulness because he chose to seek God’s will, not his own.
And above all, Jesus Himself is our perfect example. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing unimaginable suffering, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Because Jesus chose the Father’s way, we have forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.
Your Daily Opportunity: A Simple Morning Prayer
Imagine starting every day with this simple prayer before your feet hit the floor:
“God, not my way today, but Your way. Not my desires or plans, but Yours.”
This small shift can change the entire trajectory of your life. It centers your heart on God’s purposes and opens you to His peace and power.
What Happens When We Get It Wrong
Let’s face it—we won’t always choose God’s way. We’ll have moments when we slip back into doing things our way. But the beauty of following God is that He invites us to return. Every time we repent, we realign with His will, and His grace meets us right where we are.
Conclusion: Don’t Sit on the Sidelines
God is accomplishing His will in this world, whether we choose to join Him or not. The question is: Will we be part of it? Will we stand on the stage of history as instruments of His work, or will we watch from the sidelines?
Choosing God’s way is the key to a life of purpose, peace, and eternal significance. And it all starts with a simple, daily choice.