KNOWING GOD’S WILL!

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

KNOWING GOD’S WILL!

Ps 27:8

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Acts 16:9-10

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

           Desiring the will of God should be more common in believers than it is. More often we desire God to confirm our own will. We want God to want what we want. When that is our focus, we have replaced God with ourselves.

           God’s moral will is outlined in the Bible. What we call the “Ten Commandments” are examples of specific do’s and don’ts that eliminate our need for research.

           Usually what we search for is God’s will for major decisions that have an element of uncertainty. We want to be sure that we choose wisely because choices have consequences. Below are a few things to consider.

1.     Surrender your personal desires. This is what Jesus did in the Garden when he prayed “not my will.” He asked that the “cup” pass from Him if possible but was willing to surrender to the Father’s plan of redemption. He became a sacrifice. (Luke 22:42)

2.     Meditate on God’s Word. (Psalm 119:105) The word of God is a “lamp unto your feet.” You will begin to see the path more clearly.

3.     See the need! Isaiah “overheard” God speaking with himself saying “whom shall I send.” Isaiah considered the circumstances and saw himself as a possible answer to the need. (Isaiah chapter 6)

4.     Seek the advice of others. Prov 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

5.     How will my decision effect others? (Romans 14:12-13) God’s will is beneficial to all. Be sure your choice does not ruin another’s choice. A father’s choice changes the circumstances for the whole family. A pastor’s choice moves an entire church.

6.     Rest in God’s leading. Just before Paul was led to go into Macedonia, he “tried” to go several other places, but God said no. Charles Stanley said: “A key word is tried. They tried to go to Bithynia. It is where they wanted to go. We don't know how, but somehow Jesus said, "Paul, this isn't the right route." Paul, in his own way, said, "Okay, no problem." He did not get depressed or discouraged; he just started out in a new direction.

Dear Lord, the choices before me are so important that I dare not trust my own wisdom. Please grant wisdom, guidance, and courage to do your will even if it goes against my own desires. AMEN