God’s Will

“I just want to do your will, Lord. Show me what it is so I can move in the right direction.”

I’d prayed that prayer a thousand times over, just filling in the blank differently each time.

Show me if this is the college to attend.

The major to declare.

The person to marry.

The job to accept.

The home to live in.

The number of children I should have.

And yet there was always this cloud of uncertainty. Despite the incessant asking and pleading, I was never given that bright neon arrow pointing to one specific answer.

What is God’s will?

We talk about it all the time. Want to be in the center of it. And yet so many of us find it to be this large, ambiguous thing that we’ll never actually discover.

As if God’s will is something confusing. Something He’s wrapped up in a mystery, only to be solved by the wisest of wise.

Yet it seems unfair that God would ask us to do something for which He has supplied no answer or direction. Leaving us to our own devices to somehow figure it out.

Maybe the issue doesn’t lie with God, but rather with us. Because maybe we’re looking for it in all the wrong places. Expecting writing on the wall. Or for a dove to descend from the heavens. Maybe dream or vision or some grand display like a burning bush.

When in all reality, God’s will has been given to us in the most obvious and simple of ways.

Tucked, unchanged, in the pages of His Holy Word.

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable… (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.  Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.  Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:15-17)

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:15-18)

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)

It is not a secret, dear friend. What God is requiring of His people, His will, is consistent across the board.

And it is something we can do no matter where we live, work, who we marry, how our family is built, where we attend school, or in any area of life for that matter.

Live honorably.

Pursue holiness.

Don’t submit to the desires of the flesh.

Rejoice always.

Pray continually.

Give thanks in all circumstances.

Do good.

Refrain from evil.

Treat others well.

Love.

Fear God.

Respect authority.

Revere Christ.

Practice gentleness.

Keep a clear conscience.

Embrace suffering.

Commit wholeheartedly to the faithful Creator.

Such things are God’s will.

Are we, however, willing to do them?