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What Is The Will Of God In Our Lives

Navigating Life's GPS: What's the Deal with God's Will?

Ever felt like you're at a crossroads, wondering which path is the 'right' one? You're not alone. The idea of God's will has been a head-scratcher for centuries, with philosophers, theologians, and everyday folks alike trying to make sense of it. So, let's dive in, shall we?

First Things First: What's God's Will?

In a nutshell, God's will is often seen as His divine plan or purpose for our lives. It's like the ultimate GPS, guiding us towards our destination. But here's the thing: it's not always as straightforward as 'turn left at the Eiffel Tower'.

Think of it like this: God's will can be seen as a combination of His perfect plan for our lives (His sovereign will) and the choices we make (our free will). It's a bit like baking a cake. God provides the perfect oven temperature (His sovereign will), but you still need to decide whether to add chocolate chips or not (your free will).

God's Will: A Tale of Two Perspectives

In the Bible, we see two main perspectives on God's will. There's the 'decree' side, where God has a predetermined plan for our lives (like the cake's final taste). And then there's the 'desire' side, where God wants the best for us and encourages us to make choices that align with His heart (like choosing the best ingredients for the cake).

Take the story of Joseph, for instance. His brothers sold him into slavery, but God used that situation to save many lives (Genesis 50:20). So, was it God's will for Joseph to be sold into slavery? Not exactly. But God used that circumstance to fulfill His larger plan.

A Concord Pastor Comments: Homily for September 3A Concord Pastor Comments: Homily for September 3

So, How Do We Tune In to God's Will?

First off, it's important to remember that God's will isn't always a secret code we need to crack. Often, it's as simple as following His commands and living a life that reflects His character. Jesus summed it up nicely: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

Here are a few practical tips to help you tune in:

  • Pray. Talk to God about your decisions. He's not a distant figure; He's your Father who wants to guide you.
  • Read the Bible. It's like God's instruction manual for life. It won't tell you what job to take, but it will give you wisdom to make the right choice.
  • Seek wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 tells us, "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers bring victory." Surround yourself with people who know and love you.
  • Be open to change. God's will isn't always a straight line. Sometimes, He leads us through detours and unexpected turns.

When God's Will Feels Like a Mystery

Let's be real: sometimes, God's will can feel as clear as mud. You might find yourself in a situation where you can't see the way forward. That's okay. It's in those moments that we learn to trust God, even when we can't see the whole picture.

The “Will” of ­God – Moment With BettyThe “Will” of ­God – Moment With Betty

Think of it like a game of peekaboo. When God hides His will from us, it's not because He's playing hard to get. It's because He wants us to develop our trust muscles. He wants us to learn to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Reflecting on God's Will in Daily Life

So, how does all this translate to your daily life? Well, it's like having a secret ally who's always got your back. God's will isn't some distant, unknowable thing. It's the path He's laying out for you, one step at a time. It's the voice that whispers, "This is the way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

So, go ahead. Make that decision. Take that step. God's got this. His will is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). And He's inviting you to be a part of it.