Now-a-days, it seems like everyone’s language is full of talk about “God’s Will”. Whether it’s the recent graduate who’s trying to discern his/her life after school or the rest of us just trying to make it through life the best we can, there is the definite sense of preoccupation with “What is God’s Will” and “How Can I Find It?”
In fact, after searching the phrase “God’s Will”, Google yields no less that 6.3 million returns! From books, ministries, CD’s, seminars, and music (among other things), you can learn about “Making Career Decisions Based on God’s Will”, “Dieting God’s Way”, “The Student’s Guide to Learning God’s Will” and many other, very specific applications to use in every facet of your day-to-day life.
All this buzz makes me wonder: Are we misusing this concept of “God’s Will”? Are we treating God like a magic 8-ball so that we can find direction and comfort in our lives (in which case, is the focus really on Him or on Ourselves and our own comfort in knowing)? Are we using God’s Will to justify our own actions? (Proverbs 14:12)Are we focusing too much on His “Will” and less on what really matters most (which is loving and serving Him and loving and serving others)? Can we really know God’s Will? Has pursuing the knowledge of “His Will” become more important, in fact, than pursuing Him alone?
After reading several trusted opinions on the subject, I found something that appears to closely capture what it means to know God’s Will. It’s a simple framework to make decisions. And it’s very much in line with God’s Word – which is, or should be, the filter by which we make every decision anyway. And it just makes sense – God’s Will will never conflict with God’s Word. It simply can not do so... (Proverbs 30:5)
8 Simple Principles
Psalms 32:8-9 God doesn't want to lead you with a bridle
like a horse or a mule that has to be reigned in.
He wants to lead you intelligently by the Holy Spirit according to the Word.
1. Be in harmony with God's Word and Law
Psalms 40:81 I delight to do thy will, thy law is within my heart.
Isaiah 8:20 Would God lead you into breaking His law? No
Psalm 119:105 His Word is to be a Lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.
2. Be willing to do God's will
John 6:38 Jesus is your example. He came to do His Father's will.
John 7:17 If you are willing God will show you.
James 4:13-15 You shouldn't be planning your own life. You should be trying to do God's will.
Jeremiah 29:11 God's will is much more beneficial than your own.
Proverbs 16:25 Your ways lead to sorrow, death, and destruction.
3. Fervent faithful prayer for guidance
James 1:5-6 Ask in faith, nothing wavering.
James 5:16 Effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.
I John 5:14 You can have confidence that if you ask according to God's will, He will hear you.
4. Do what lies nearest you first!
John 16:12 God has many things to tell us, but we can't bear them now. Do what you can do and what you know to be correct, right now.
Then He will show you what to do next.
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
Luke 16:10 Be faithful in the least first and God will give you more.
Jeremiah 12:5 If you don't obey God in the small things how will you obey during the big test?
5. Which option will bring the most Glory to God?
I Corinthians 10:31-32 Do ALL to the glory of God! Give none offense to either Jew or Gentile or to the Church.
I Peter 4:11 That God in ALL things might be glorified!
Revelation 14:7 Part of the last warning messages to the world contain these instructions "give glory to Him".
The decisions you make in your
daily life indicate whose side
you are on.
Romans 14:13 Don't cause anyone to stumble.
Mark 9:42 Don't hurt ever, the least of God's children.
6. Seek Christian Counsel
Be careful who you counsel with. Paul wrote at the end of time there would be many who had a “Form” of Godliness (2Timothy 3:5,7,8)
and many false teachers. A good Christian counselor should point you to a "Thus saith the Lord".
Proverbs 11:14 There is safety in a multitude of counselors.
Psalms 1: 1-2 Don't follow the counsel of the ungodly.
Jeremiah 17:5-10 Cursed is the man that puts his trust in man.
7. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit
Isaiah 30:20-21 Though you go through adversity and affliction, God will talk to you. You will hear a voice behind you as you turn to the right or left. God will show you, "This is the way, walk ye in it." That still small voice that makes you feel so uncomfortable is the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
I Kings 19:11-12 God doesn't speak to you in a earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice.
8. Humbly wait on the Lord
Revelation 14:12 Those that overcome the beast
and his mark have an identifying characteristic of patience. They keep God's commandments (not man's) and they humbly wait for Jesus.
Psalms 37:4-7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Isaiah 49:15-16 He cannot forget you, your problems, or struggles! Trust Him! He thinks about you constantly!!!
Psalms 25:9 He guides the meek.
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