Introduction
Many Christians across the globe today seek the will of God regarding various aspects of their lives, including marriage, business, childbearing, relocation, and ministry, to name a few. Some have a genuine desire to learn and obey the will of God, no matter what. Others seek it to match their desires, ignoring it when it's not favorable.
This desire drives many to conferences, teaching services, seminars, or crusades, hoping to discern the will of God in their daily lives. My journey was similar as I sought to understand God's will regarding my decisions and choices.
What is the Will of God?
The will of God refers to His absolute decision and plan for us and our affairs. God created us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26) and gave us the nature of "free will" to make choices, ensuring nothing is imposed on us and that we take responsibility for our actions. Thus, there is: (i) the will of God and (ii) the will of man.
Why Do We Seek the Will of God?
The will of God was natural to man before the fall in the Garden of Eden. After the fall, man was spiritually separated from God, and our decisions and choices became tainted by our sinful nature, conflicting with God's will. We fell short of God's glory (Romans 3:23) and could no longer easily discern God's mind and thoughts. However, Jesus Christ's death renewed our spirit and reconciled us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18). We now need to train ourselves to discern God's will naturally, as it doesn't come automatically like it did in Eden.
In Matthew 7:21, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
This scripture highlights the seriousness and eternal consequences of following our own will instead of God's. Apostle Paul urges Christians to understand what the will of God is (Ephesians 5:17).
Examples of the Will of God
Jesus Christ is a prime example, as He did not speak or teach on His own but only what the Father gave Him (John 12:49). He also did only what He saw the Father do (John 5:19), completely ignoring His own will for God's.
What the Will of God is Not:
1. Always Constant with Anointing: Regardless of how anointed you are, you must seek God's will regarding how, where, and when to use His grace, or you risk becoming a worker of iniquity (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus, though highly anointed, sought God's will before ministering (John 12:49, John 5:19).
2. Always Wise Counseling: While seeking wise counsel is encouraged (Proverbs 11:14), be cautious, as God's thoughts and ways differ from ours (Isaiah 55:8). Wise counsel may not always align with God's will for your life.
3. Always Prudent: Sometimes, God's will may seem foolish to us (1 Corinthians 1:25). For example, loving your enemies (Matthew 5:44) or a bank manager resigning to become a preacher. Many reject God's will because it seems foolish.
4. Guaranteed Immediate Success: Walking in God's will does not assure immediate success. God promises to be with us through storms, not to prevent them (Isaiah 43:2). Trials do not indicate God's absence. Trust that success, victory, healing, and prosperity will come in His time (1 Corinthians 10:13).
5. Always Favorable to Us: Doing God's will means setting aside our desires and submitting to His. This may lead us through situations we'd normally avoid. Jesus experienced this before His crucifixion, praying for God's will despite His agony (Luke 22:42-44). God will strengthen us as He did Jesus.
How to Determine the Will of God:
1. Reading and Meditating on the Word of God:
All scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16), who knows the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:11). The more we study God's Word, the more we understand Him. To discern God's will, match the scripture with your situation. If there is a mismatch, it is not God's will. For instance, if you are offended and considering retaliation, remember that God says, "Vengeance is mine" (Deuteronomy 32:35). Clearly, retaliation is not God's will.
2. Leading by the Voice of the Holy Spirit:
For issues not explicitly covered in the Bible, such as travel plans, rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance (Romans 8:14). This requires being filled with the Holy Spirit and sensitive to His leading through His still, small voice, visions, promptings, and peace. It takes time to develop this sensitivity, so seek confirmation from mature believers for significant decisions like marriage or career choices.
3. Combining Scripture and the Holy Spirit's Guidance:
Sometimes, situations are clearly stated in the Bible, but we need guidance on timing, location, or approach. For example, preaching in a specific town. Although it's written to preach the gospel everywhere (Mark 16:15), discern the specific will of God. Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit from preaching in Asia at a particular time (Acts 16:6).
By faithfully following these steps, you will discern God's will correctly in all situations. Be patient, as this process takes time to develop. No one can do it for you.
God bless you on your journey to discern His perfect will.
Amen.
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