What Does God Want Me to Do?

Summary

In this inspiring talk, Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses the common desire for certainty in discerning God's will. He draws a parallel from Exodus, where the Israelites followed the Shekinah cloud for direction, to illustrate that periods of uncertainty are part of God's plan. Schmitz encourages embracing the clarity in God's revealed teachings and living confidently with the knowledge that God will provide clear guidance when necessary. He assures that God's presence is the true certainty, not a step-by-step roadmap, and that God's will for our daily lives is already clear through commandments and teachings.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the human desire for certainty in understanding God's will.
• 🌟 The story of Moses and the Shekinah cloud illustrates how God's guidance can be both clear and uncertain.
• 🕊️ There were periods when the Shekinah cloud did not move, leaving the Israelites without immediate direction.
• 🗣️ Fr. Mike suggests that in the absence of clear signs, the certainty is to stay put and wait for God's next instruction.
• 📜 God has revealed certain truths to us, such as the commandments, the Church's teachings, and the Beatitudes.
• 🙏 We are called to live according to the clarity God has already provided, rather than seeking constant new revelations.
• 👣 God will not ask us to make decisions based on what He has not revealed; we are to act on what we know.
• 🌱 The invitation is to find contentment and confidence in living with the uncertainty of God's future plans.
• 📖 Micah 6:8 is cited as a clear directive from God on how to live a good and just life.
• 👼 The story of Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel shows that God's call can come with a single, clear direction followed by periods of waiting.
• 💡 Our certainty lies not in knowing every step of our path but in the assurance that God is with us.

Q & A

Who is Fr. Mike Schmitz and what is Ascension Presents?

Fr. Mike Schmitz is a Catholic priest who works with college students and is known for his engaging presentations on faith and spirituality. Ascension Presents is a platform that features his work, which includes talks and discussions on various religious topics.

What does Fr. Mike Schmitz discuss in relation to people seeking certainty in God's will?

Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how people often desire certainty and clarity when it comes to understanding God's will in their lives. He suggests that instead of constantly seeking new signs or directions, people should focus on what God has already revealed to them.

What does the Shekinah cloud represent in the context of the Exodus story mentioned by Fr. Mike Schmitz?

In the context of the Exodus story, the Shekinah cloud represents the presence of God. It provided a clear sign to the Israelites, guiding them when to move and when to stay in the wilderness.

How does Fr. Mike Schmitz relate the story of the Israelites in the wilderness to discernment in our lives?

Fr. Mike Schmitz relates the story of the Israelites in the wilderness to discernment by illustrating that there were periods of uncertainty when the Shekinah cloud did not move, which required them to wait for God's guidance. He suggests that we should be content with the certainty God has already provided us and trust in His timing for further guidance.

What does Fr. Mike Schmitz say about God's method of revealing His will?

Fr. Mike Schmitz asserts that God does not ask us to make decisions based on what He has not revealed. Instead, He asks us to act based on what He has already revealed to us, such as the commandments, the truths of the Church, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

According to Fr. Mike Schmitz, what has God revealed to us that we can be certain about?

God has revealed the commandments, the truths of the Church, the sacraments, the Beatitudes, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, which provide a clear guide on how to live an honorable life and how to worship.

What does Fr. Mike Schmitz suggest as an invitation for living with uncertainty?

Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to be content and confident in living with uncertainty by focusing on the certainty and clarity that God has already given us, rather than constantly seeking more signs or guidance.

How does Fr. Mike Schmitz explain the concept of God's certainty in our lives?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that God's certainty is not about Him telling us every single step to take, but rather about His promise to be with us as we take the next steps in life.

What example does Fr. Mike Schmitz use to illustrate God's approach to calling individuals?

Fr. Mike Schmitz uses the example of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visited Mary and revealed to her that she would be the Mother of God. After she agreed, the angel departed, showing that God's call can be specific and clear, but does not necessarily come with a continuous stream of instructions.

What is the main message Fr. Mike Schmitz conveys about God's presence in our lives?

The main message conveyed by Fr. Mike Schmitz is that our certainty should not be based on knowing every step of our future, but on the assurance that God is with us and has already revealed what we need to know to live righteously in the present.