What is God's Will For Your Life?
Simple Truths for a Complicated Journey
Does the busyness of daily life leave you breathless? Are you constantly distracted? Do you struggle with the question, "What is God's will for my life?"
Contemporary life can feel like a whirlwind. We are a busy people. We are a distracted people. Modern life offers us too many options such that we can feel paralyzed. In the midst of the daily grind or the mundane or exhaustion, we lose sight of God and his purposes.
We pray for an answer and another day goes by with the question unanswered. There are thousands of books about discovering God's will for our lives. Some are very helpful, others are unbiblical. It would be so much easier if God simply sent us a letter of instruction entitled, "This is my will for your life" signed, "Love, God."
The good news is we have that letter tucked away in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. It reads:
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
God is never silent. His eternal word speaks to us.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus' command is clear, "follow me." This is every Christian's primary calling. To paraphrase Os Guinness, "we are called to someone (God)... We are called to Him, by Him and for Him." Then, we are called to live for someone (God) in everything, everywhere, in full view of everyone, pleasing God in all that we do. This is our secondary calling.
Our primary calling to follow Christ and our secondary calling to live for Him flow into His will for our lives.
Sometimes God gracefully makes it clear who we are to marry, what job to take, where to give, and whom to serve. Most often, He does not. We have freedom within His providential will.
So, what do we do when we're uncertain or confused?
First, we are commanded to "rejoice always." This means that because our salvation from sin and death is secure in Christ, we have hope and joy, regardless of the situation. Are you rejoicing right now?
Second, we are commanded to "pray without ceasing." It means what it says. We are to take our questions, needs, and desires to the Lord in prayer. We are also to be interceding for others. Are you praying right now?
Third, we are commanded to "give thanks in all circumstances." Regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, we know that God is working things out for our salvation, our good, and His glory... even when life is difficult. Are you giving thanks in your circumstances right now?
Finally, read, study, and obey God's Word on a daily basis. Meditate on it. Allow God to imprint His thoughts on your mind. Allow it to change your thinking and shape your life. Are you reading God's Word right now? Are you obeying it?
These four ingredients make up God's will for His children.
Here are four passages filled with God's wisdom and encouragement that have helped me over the years.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Do you want crooked or straight paths in life? (I hope straight paths). If you want straight paths, then acknowledge God in all your ways. Don't lean on your own understanding. But, trust God with all your heart.
"Do not be conformed to this world (age), but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God)." (Romans 12:2)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
Ultimately, it's God's will and pleasure to give us the Kingdom. It's a done deal. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of this reality. Knowing the bigger story we inhabit helps us to know how to live in the moment.
Rejoice.
Pray.
Give thanks!
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