Seeking God's Will...

... Just in Case You Need It.

 

At one time or another, most Christians have struggled to understand how to know the will of God. Sometimes, we question God's "willingness" to allow global suffering.

But other times it is far more personal: "How do I know what God wants me to do?"

We do not belong to a withholding God. He actually invented communication, and He is not distant or vague. However, He is omnipotent and there is at least one distinct condition you may not have thought of.

God will not tell you His will for you -- just for your consideration. 

In other words, if your request goes something like..."God, I'm not sure that I want to do your will, but I sure would like to know what it is ... just in case it suits me," you might want to think again. It doesn't work like that.

You must come to Him with a "Yes!" in your heart and on your lips before you ever know the answer to your question. 

Try to be as neutral you can. But, if you cannot help but want something desperately, then your prayer might be "Lord, help me to want what You want. Please open my heart and mind to You first, and my desire second."

God's will usually falls within 3 categories.

1. God's Providential Will -- What He has done and promised to do no matter what. Example: He was always going to send Jesus to us; He will always love you, etc.

2. God's Moral Will -- These are things you don't even have to pray about. The right and wrong you know from His Word, and your conscience, i.e., the moral code written on your heart dictated by His Spirit within you. It will always be His will that you do good and honor Him with your life.

3. God's Personal will for your life -- Ahhh, that's the tough part, you say.

Here's a hint: The more lined up your life is on #1 and #2, the easier it will be to discern #3.

Get to know the God who loves you, made you, and does indeed have a will and purpose for your life. If you are in-synch with His Providential and Moral will, His Personal will for you will be obvious.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path" (Proverbs 3:6)

Pastor Andy Stanley gives some guidelines to lead you wisely into your next move: Ask the following questions...

In light of my ...

• Past experiences
• Current circumstance
• Future hopes and dreams ...

What is the WISE thing to do? 

If your heart is lined up with loving God first, with "all your heart, soul (your ego), and strength" (Matthew 22:37), then you can pretty much do what you want to do and it will probably be the right thing.

I have a song for everything.

"Thy Will be Done" by Hillary Scott; "Completely" by Among the Thirsty