Many thanks to Barry who gave me this post.......
How Do I Know God’s Will?
A longing to be led by God is almost a basic instinct among many Christians. And why not? Being led by God would add a measure of purposefulness to our life and relieve some of the pressure of decision making. Typical prayers are “Lord, please help me choose the right college”, “God, lead me to the person that I should marry”, “Lord, is this the one?”, “God, should I accept the new job offer?”, “Lord, Jesus, please help me resist this temptation.” Wouldn’t it be grand to face a dilemma by asking God to guide us through it, sense and follow his guidance, and then never look back or second-guess ourselves, regardless of the outcome? You could then move on with the confidence and appreciation that God led you and you are right where He wants you.
The wisdom in this is seen in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Could our will ever be described as good, pleasing, and perfect? No! More likely our will would be described as selfish, vain, greedy, vulgar, vengeful, etc. Without a doubt, God’s will is best.
For many, the question, “How do I know God’s will?”, is premature. George Müller writes, “Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.” Donald Barnhouse writes, “We must be willing to do His will before we know what it is.” Roger Palms writes, “To ask about the will of God is easy—to want to obey the will of God is something else.”
So, the next time you seek the will of God in a matter, first ask, am I being honest with God, do I really believe that God will guide me, am I willing to do what God tells me? When you come to grips with the answers to those questions, then you may be able to discern the will of God more clearly.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Carl Conway
engedi.org
Engedi Administrator |
