Matt Leathley – The Congo

· Is the will of God more like a location, a journey, or a maze?

A journey: with the Bible as your map.

· Did you experience any confusion in regards to the will of God (in regards to your spouse, job, area of service, etc.)?

I experienced uncertainty, which drove me to seek His will more fervently.

· Did you have to wait on God for any length of time?

Yes, in regards to my wife. I waited several weeks, praying and considering.

· How did you know you were marrying the right person?

The Lord gave me peace about it. I found a lady that was already busy serving the Lord.

· How did you know you were supposed to go into full-time ministry?

I surrendered my life at the age of fifteen at a youth camp. While at the altar, the Lord impressed upon my heart to surrender to be a missionary to Congo. It was very real and specific. I realize God does not do this with everyone, but I suppose the Lord knew he had to be real obvious with me. Some people are just more “hard-headed” than others.

· Did you ever feel that your will and God's will were at odds?

For a time. When in my last two years of high school, I knew I was called to preach, but felt like I wanted to “sow my wild oats” for a while. It was only by God’s grace, that I was able to get right. Some make this same decision and never come back to God.

· Did you ever think you were "going out on a limb" in regards to God's will?

Only in the sense that it seemed humanly impractical. But I simply stepped out trusting that it was His will, and He would take care of me.

· Did God use any special signs or supernatural revelations to confirm His will?

Not signs or revelations. But He has used circumstances to give guidance and assurance that I am in His will.

· Does God have one plan and only one plan for your life?

Honestly, I am not sure. If he wants me to serve in Congo for the rest of my life, I will. However, if He ever chooses to lead me elsewhere, I will do my best to follow His leading. Right now, I know I am in the center of His will, and that’s the best place to be. As for the call to preach, it is a lifetime calling.

· What things has God used to guide you in specific ways?

The Bible more than anything else.

· What would you say if an 18-year-old graduate of high school asked you, "How can I know God's will for my life?"

Follow Gods revealed will given in His word, (I Thess. 4:3 & 5:18 come to mind). And seek God more fervently than you ever have in your life. If you’re sincere about knowing God’s will, He will bless you for it. He’s not hiding His will for the fun of it. Though He may hide it for a time in order to motivate us to make more of an effort to seek after Him.