The Litmus Test

The 11th Step of AA states: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with G-d as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."

As a Rabbi, I am always asked an obvious question: How do I know what G-d's will is for me? Does He call? Do I get a text message? Is He on Facebook?

When I was first introduced to the Twelve Step program, and to the concept of making life decisions based on G-d's will, I was totally baffled. If I had a direct line to G-d, if I knew what G-d wanted from me, I didn't need the program! If G-d would only let me know what is expected of me, then I would surely follow His direction in every area of my life. I would lead a "perfectly" spiritual lifestyle.

The truth is that, in many areas, I do know G-d's will, but I just can't manage to always follow through. I know that G-d doesn't want me to lie. I know that G-d wants me to be kind to every human being. The whole Bible, the whole Talmud and the whole Code of Jewish Law are telling me precisely what G-d's will is; and I can assure you that although I try hard, I don't succeed in following all of it.

My answer to the question then, is that I must first commit to accepting and obeying G-d's will for me before I can find out what it is.

Here is an example: I have a tough choice to make today. Should I accept the job at this prestigious firm, or should I stay with my current employer? So, I pray to G-d to guide me to make the right decision. I claim that I want to know G-d's will for me. But do I really want to know G-d's will? Will I really follow through if I find it out?

Here is the litmus test: If I just got a phone call or a text message from G-d, and He said to me, "Quit your job, but don't join the prestigious firm. I would rather that you be unemployed for a few years.” Or maybe G-d is messaging me on Facebook and says, "I would like you to become a janitor at a public school.” Now my initial reaction is to hang up, or just pretend I never read his message. Come to think of it, I should really unfriend Him from my Facebook.

But, really, if I am able to accept G-d's will for me, no matter what it is, no matter if it wasn't on the menu, no matter if it wasn't one of the options that I was willing to go with, then I know that I have the willingness to follow through on G-d's will for me. Then I don't need to worry what the will of G-d is. I just need to carry on -- and know that the will of G-d will manifest in my life – because I am ready for it.