Do you want to know God’s will in your life? Many Christians desire to know God’s will but struggle to find it. Searching the word of God and prayer is the foundation of knowing the will of God. The question is, what do we do when we need to know God’s will about something specific such as relocation, choosing the right job, or picking the right mate!?
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
In the above passage, Paul tells the believers that God’s wisdom and knowledge is rich, deep, and without finding out. The Lord’s knowledge is so deep that man is not in a position to counsel God. The good news is that Paul does not stop there, but he gives us more insight about knowing God’s will in Romans 12.
In Romans 12:1, the scripture tells us that because of God’s mercies, we are to present ourselves as living sacrifices. When you think about it, a living sacrifice seems to be an oxymoron. The old Testament sacrifices were meant to be killed and presented to God. However, for God’s people we are called to remain alive in Christ and at the same time, sacrifice our carnal nature. You see, the carnal nature gets in the way of hearing God and knowing His will.
Our carnal nature has to continually be denied in order for us to follow Jesus. We all have our own ideas about what is right. We have many opinions about what is a good outcome for us. Furthermore, we are encouraged to dream dreams and follow our passion and purpose. As a result, our mind, emotions, and will are very engaged in what we want. As a result, it is very difficult to surrender and sacrifice our soul and trust God.
When I was dating my husband years ago, I decided that I needed the Lord’s specific direction and will before marrying him. I had failed in the past, so I did not have confidence that I could make a good decision on my own. That was not an easy process. When I tried to figure it out with my own understanding, it felt like I was going around the mountain. At times, I felt like time is running out and I should know. I had to continually deny my emotions and my own ideas and place the relationship at the altar until such a time that the Lord made it clear to me.
If you are struggling to know God’s will, the question is, do you expect to see a certain outcome? Do you have your own ideas about the process and the length of time it is supposed to take? Have you been going around the mountain and it’s been hard to know God’s will?
Today, it would be a good day to offer up your concern or dilemma at the altar. Place yourself and your opinion at the altar. When a thought about this particular issue comes up, don’t try to solve it or argue for or against it. Just remind yourself that you choose not to focus on your opinion but you want God’s will. Continue to surrender yourself and the situation to the Lord. Wait patiently for Him. In time, the Lord will make it clear.
Image by elizabethalliburton from Pixabay
Thank you for the message. I have been struggling with my opinions and feelings in the midst of seeking God’s will about ministry for me (and my husband). I will lay all my thoughts on the matter at the altar. God will take care of the rest. He knows us so well and knows what we can do through Him. He will direct and stir our path.
Praise God! Amen. Thanks for sharing dear Susan.
Yes, he will direct our paths as we surrender ourselves to Him.