From: Ben Kelley
Subject: His will for you
We all have had times (many, probably) in which we've said we
wanted to know God's will for our lives. Lots of
people say they do know, and then give very differing ways they believe
it is made clear to them. Some have said they "feel peace," while others
"feel excited, some hear a voice inside, while others "get a word of knowledge"
from someone else. I confess I don't have one pat answer that will
enable a person to always be sure they are hearing God, excepting that the
Prophet Isaiah told his people, when speaking about their consulting occult
practices: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to
this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah
8:20) I think that was good advice then, and it's good advice
now. Seek out God's Word on the subject. If what you think you
are hearing runs counter to what His Word says, you can know you are
not hearing Him.
We each "snort" in derision when we hear some murderer or
rapist saying "God told me to do it." We know cold-blooded
murder goes against God's command. We don't snort quite so loudly,
though, when someone makes that statement after doing something we
happen to be a little more comfortable with, though. A brother in Christ
once told me God told him to play the slot machines (gambling) when he
was in Las Vegas, and he won $5000 on the first try. That, of course, was
definite proof to him he had heard and discerned God's voice. The problem
is, I don't believe he asked God for any more "direction" on his subsequent
trips. He became quite comfortable with the gambling and thereby lost any
credibility he might have had in ministering to those addicted to it, not to
mention the large amounts of money he ended up losing. He also lost the
conviction he once had as to whether gambling was something the professing
believer should be putting their (God's) money into.
Just what does God say about His will for us? Does His
written Word address this subject at all? I believe it does, but not with
the minute specifics we are sometimes seeking for areas in our lives. It
does give us some "fundamentals" for life, which I think HE means
for us to follow and obey before HE entrusts us with the more
"advanced." I would like to look at just a few verses that speak on
the subject, "His will for you."
(1) We're to know what His will is--- Wherefore
be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is. (Ephesians 5:17) To comply with this,
we have to study the Scriptures to learn and
apply.
(2) We're to do it--- Not with eyeservice, as
menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart; (Ephesians 6:6)
servants
(3) The Holy Spirit is praying it for our lives (that's
how we "know all things work together for our good")--- And he that
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of
God. (Romans 8:27)
(4) It is good and pleasant and absolutely complete, there is
nothing lacking--- that's the meaning of the following description.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
(5) Jesus being our example to follow, we are to place it above
our own will--- I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and
my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of
the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30)
So what is His will for me and
you?
(1) That we be saved--- The Lord is not slack
concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to
us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Since we know this is His will for others also, we know it's
His will that we assist in getting people saved, through our personal
witness, prayer, giving (time, money, or both) to ministries, or any other way
we are able.
(2) That we give Him thanks in every
situation, circumstance, etc.--- In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) This one we
usually have to do strictly out of obedience. In that way it's
similar to praise, for neither are natural in hard and trying times. The
outward practice of both, just doing them because HE says to, will
result in changing our inner thoughts and attitudes so they become more
natural.
(3) That we be pure of all sexual
immorality.--- For this is the will of God, even
your sanctification, that ye should abstain from
fornication. (1Thessalonians 4:3) The word translated
fornication is porneia, anything outside of God's plan and direction for
sex. We tend to confine this to physical actions, and
leave out those trashy televison shows, magazines, scantily clad people,
and movies we like to watch. Just why do you really think you
continually watch such? Remember, Jesus said if you look with lust
in your heart, you have committed adultery (illicit sex)(Matthew 5:27-28). If you can tell Jesus your reason for looking and
hear Him say, "that's fine", go ahead, keep watching. Just be very sure it
is Him you are hearing.
(4) That we live God-fearing lives, not
giving the ungodly ammunition to speak against God and His children--- For
so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter
2:15)
(5) That some may suffer a while
at the hands of the lost for doing good---Therefore let those who
suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to
Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1Peter
4:19)
None of these things can be accomplished by
"gritting our spiritual teeth" and trying hard. They each can be
accomplished only one way, that is, by daily practicing the following:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ
lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
(Galatians 2:20)
Meditate on these things, then ask God to help you
live out His will for your life. His will is so much better for us than
our own. Trust Him and add this to your prayers; Father, not my
will, but thy will be done.
Ben