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.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Seeking Clarity in God's Will

Fr. Mike Schmitz begins by discussing the human desire for certainty in understanding God's will. He uses the example of Moses and the Israelites following the Shekinah cloud as a metaphor for God's guidance. While the cloud's movement provided clear direction, there were also periods of waiting with no clear sign. This teaches us that God's clarity comes in knowing what He has already revealed, such as the commandments, the Church's teachings, and the Beatitudes. Fr. Mike encourages us to be content with the certainty God provides and to live with the clarity of His already spoken word.

05:01

🙏 Embracing God's Presence Over Constant Guidance

In the second paragraph, Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes that God's certainty is not about providing a step-by-step guide for our lives but about His constant presence with us. He reassures that we already know what God wants us to do today, as it has been revealed to us. He advises not to worry about the future steps that God has not yet revealed. The certainty we should hold is that God is with us, guiding us when necessary. Fr. Mike concludes with a blessing and a gentle reminder that God's guidance comes when we are ready to take the next step.

Keywords

💡Certainty

Certainty in the context of the video refers to the desire for clear and unambiguous guidance from God regarding one's path in life. It is a central theme as many people, not just college students, seek definitive answers to their life's purpose and direction. The video suggests that while people crave certainty, God often provides clarity through the knowledge and teachings already revealed, rather than through constant step-by-step guidance. An example from the script is when Fr. Mike Schmitz says, 'We all want certainty when it comes to following God.'

💡God's Will

God's Will, as discussed in the video, is the divine plan or intention for an individual's life. It is a concept that many people strive to understand and follow. The video emphasizes that God's will is not always revealed in a direct or immediate manner, but through the teachings and commandments already provided. For instance, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the question, 'Why isn't God more clear with what he wants me to do?'

💡Shekinah Cloud

The Shekinah Cloud, mentioned in the video, is a biblical reference to the visible presence of God's glory, guiding the Israelites in the wilderness. It symbolizes divine guidance and the presence of God. In the video, Fr. Mike Schmitz uses the Shekinah Cloud as a metaphor for how God's guidance can be both clear and patient, waiting for the right moment to move or act. He says, 'When the cloud of glory, the Shekinah cloud, the glory of the Lord, came down upon the tent, then they would go worship.'

💡Discernment

Discernment in the video refers to the process of seeking to understand God's will and making decisions in alignment with it. It is a spiritual practice of reflection and waiting for divine guidance. The video suggests that discernment involves living with the certainty of what is already known, rather than constantly seeking new signs or directions. An example is when Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses, 'I've been thinking about this especially when it comes to discernment.'

💡Commandments

The Commandments in the context of the video are the moral and ethical guidelines provided by God, as revealed in religious teachings. They form the basis of an honorable life and are part of what God has already revealed to humanity. The video emphasizes that these commandments provide clarity on how to live a good life, even in the absence of specific personal guidance. Fr. Mike Schmitz states, 'He's revealed to you the commandments.'

💡Beatitudes

The Beatitudes, as mentioned in the video, are teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, outlining the qualities of those who are blessed. They provide a moral framework for living a life in accordance with God's will. The video uses the Beatitudes as an example of the clarity God has provided about how to live. Fr. Mike Schmitz says, 'He's revealed to you the Beatitudes.'

💡Vocation

Vocation in the video refers to an individual's calling or life mission, often understood as a divine assignment. The video discusses how people often seek clarity about their vocation from God, but God asks them to make decisions based on what has already been revealed, not on what remains unknown. An example is when Fr. Mike Schmitz says, 'God's never going to ask you to make decisions with your vocation, what he's calling you to, based off of what he hasn't revealed to you.'

💡Uncertainty

Uncertainty in the video is presented as a natural part of life where one does not have all the answers or clear guidance for every step. It contrasts with the desire for certainty but is framed positively as a space where one can live with the clarity of what is already known. The video encourages embracing uncertainty with confidence in God's presence. Fr. Mike Schmitz invites viewers to 'be content and confident to live in uncertainty.'

💡Confirmation

Confirmation in the video refers to the reassurance or validation that comes from God when making significant decisions or taking important steps in life. It is a concept that suggests God will provide clarity when it is needed, but not necessarily in every aspect of life. The video uses the idea of confirmation to reassure viewers that God will speak clearly when the time is right. An example is when Fr. Mike Schmitz says, 'And that question will always have confirmation.'

💡Presence of God

The Presence of God is a central theme in the video, emphasizing that while God may not always provide explicit guidance, His presence is a constant reassurance. It is the underlying certainty that God is with individuals, guiding them even when the path is not immediately clear. The video concludes with the message that God's presence is the true certainty. Fr. Mike Schmitz reassures viewers, 'Our certainty is that he is with us. And God is with you.'

Highlights

Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the desire for certainty in following God's will.

He reflects on the story of Moses and the Shekinah cloud as an example of God's guidance.

The Israelites followed the cloud's movement as a sign of God's will.

Fr. Mike points out that there were periods of waiting with no clear direction from the cloud.

He emphasizes that God does not ask us to make decisions based on unknowns.

God's will is revealed through the commandments, Church teachings, sacraments, and Beatitudes.

Fr. Mike encourages being content with the certainty God has already provided.

He explains that God will provide clarity when it's time to move forward.

Fr. Mike uses the story of Mary and the angel Gabriel to illustrate God's call for a single step.

Mary's response to the angel demonstrates trust in God's plan.

The message is that God's certainty is in His presence, not in a step-by-step guide.

Fr. Mike reassures that we don't need to answer questions God hasn't asked yet.

He concludes by reminding us that God is with us, providing the certainty we seek.

Transcripts

I don't know if there is enough light in here.

But hopefully there is.

Hopefully there is enough light for this.

Hi. My name is Fr. Mike Schmitz and this is Ascension Presents.

So I know I always say this, that I work with college students,

but I'm always working with people who are asking about God's will in their lives.

Like, I find this across the board, not just college students,

but so many of us, we want certainty.

We all want certainty when it comes to following God.

And we think "OK God. Why isn't God more clear with what he wants me to do?"

"And if he would just... just reveal his will to me, I would totally do it,

but why doesn't God reveal anything to me?"

Now, I was thinking about this because I was reading Exodus Chapter 40 just the other day.

And it's the last chapter of the book of Exodus.

And what it describes is this:

It describes how Moses went to the meeting tent.

What happened was, here's the people of Israel. They are in the wilderness.

And Moses, when he says whenever the cloud of glory, the Shekinah cloud, the glory of the Lord, came down upon the tent,

then they would go worship.

When the cloud, the Shekinah cloud, that glory cloud went up,

and then moved,

they would follow it.

And I was thinking about this, and thinking,

OK, so, we look back at the story and we think, "Oh my gosh!"

"That would be so great!"

Because here's God being very very clear about "OK. Get up and move now"

"Get up and pray now" very very clear!

But I was thinking about this. Thinking, wait a second!

There were probably days, weeks, maybe months or years where the cloud didn't move.

Where there was no clear indication of "OK, it's now time to pack up everyone, and now let's keep wandering in the wilderness"

When the cloud just stayed there,

or maybe the cloud seemed absent.

Now I thought about this.

In those moments, there was no certainty,

there was no clarity as far as "where should we go now?"

In fact, in those moments it was "okay. It's clear."

The clarity was "stay here".

The certainty was "don't go anywhere".

But they had to wait.

They had to wait for the Lord to say,

"OK now, move."

I've been thinking about this especially when it comes to discernment.

I think a lot of times we say "I want certainty." or "I want clarity."

What we mean is we want God's constantly: "Yup. Take another step. HmmHmm."

"Yup. Take another step."

"Take another step."

Constantly kind of like guiding us as opposed to God saying, "Okay, I'm speaking in clarity"

Now the reality is this:

God is never going to ask you to make decisions based off of what you don't know.

God's never going to ask you to make decisions with your vocation, what he's calling you to, based off of what he hasn't revealed to you.

He's going to ask you to make decisions based off of what you do know,

based off of what he has revealed to you.

You say, "Well, what has God revealed to me?"

Well. He's revealed to you the commandments.

You already know what it is to have an honorable life.

He's revealed to you the truth of the Church.

He's revealed to you the sacraments.

He's revealed to you the Beatitudes.

Jesus Christ has revealed to us

the way God wants us to live!

He wants us to care for each other.

He wants us when we fall to go to the confession.

He wants us to worship him in the Eucharist at the Mass every single Sunday.

Now those are all things that God has clearly revealed to you.

You can be absolutely certain, but then people say,

"Yeah, but what about more?"

Well, here's the thing.

God will never ask you to answer a question that he hasn't asked you.

OK. Where are you going next God?

"Don't worry. I'm not asking you to move anywhere." Here's the Shekinah. The glory cloud, right?

"I'm not asking you to go anywhere."

"Just stay where you are."

Here's my invitation for you today is "to be content and confident to live in uncertainty."

Or maybe even a better way to say it is this:

To live with a certainty that God has already given you, to live with the clarity that he's already spoken in.

You know what he wants you to do.

Micah Chapter 6 said this,

You've been told a man what is good, and what the Lord requires of you.

To do good. To love justice. And to walk humbly with your God.

So simple!

And so clear!

God has already revealed to you.

Here's what you're supposed to do right now.

And when he calls you to move forward,

I'm promising you.

He will always speak in clarity.

And that question will always have confirmation.

But it doesn't mean even when he calls you to the next step,

It doesn't always mean that he's always going to be saying "and the next step.. and the next step.." Here's what I mean.

This is the last thing.

In Chapter 1 of Luke's Gospel,

in one of the most incredible calls in the history of humanity,

the angel Gabriel was sent to a town of Nazareth to visit Mary.

Gives the whole thing. You know, you'll conceive, the whole power of the Holy Spirit.

The child to be born to you will be called Holy, the Son of the Most High God.

Mary says, ultimately, she says, "Be it done unto me according to your word."

And I think this is amazing.

Mary, after she asks a clarifying question, which is good.

Then she says, "Behold, I'm the handmaiden of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word."

The very next line says, "Then the angel departed from her".

Mary ju-...*laugh* It was just revealed to Mary

that she was called to be the Mother of God.

Whatever that meant!?!

And whatever she understood that to mean.

But she was clearly asked to do this one thing, to say, to answer this one question.

She answered that question and then the angel departed from her.

See. We want certainty.

But God's certainty is not "OK. Here's what you do next. Here's what you do next. Here's what you do next."

God's certainty is "I will be with you."

"I will be with you."

"Take that next step and continue to walk until I tell you to stop."

Take that next step and continue to walk until I tell you to turn.

Take that next step and continue to live.

Here's the reality.

You know what God wants you to do today.

He's already revealed it.

And if he hasn't revealed to you what he wants you to do with your whole life, then don't worry.

You don't have to answer a question that God hasn't asked yet.

Our certainty is not that he tells us what to do very single step.

Our certainty is that he is with us.

And God is with you.

From all of us here from Ascension Presents,

my name is Fr. Mike.

God bless.

*whisper* OK. gap gap gap *whisper*