The Word of God (Holy Bible) says a lot to us as to what God’s WILL is for us ‘collectively’ as His disciples and even what His WILL is for all His enemies. The Word of God reveals God’s WILL for the coming of Christ’s Kingdom and the end of this ‘unbelieving’ world. But what about His Will for us ‘individually and personally’ with what we each face and fear?
The Lord tells His people: not to worry about tomorrow, that He controls it for us and we cannot. And, to be content whether we have very little or more than enough to live on, He will supply all our needs according to His riches. We are to stay in intimate fellowship with the Lord, daily in His Word and in prayer; to pray without ceasing; living before Him day and night. We are instructed to offer our bodies as ‘living’ sacrifices – our pure worship to the Lord who gave Himself up for us. We are instructed to actively love one another and to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. We are instructed as husbands and wives and children as well – how to live and work together. The Lord has also given His church its instruction to go into all the world with His Gospel, making disciples. There is a lot said in God’s Word on every aspect of life, both physical/practical and spiritual.
But when any of us is surprised with something or presented with an opportunity, that is personal, how do we determine the WILL of God in how to see it or deal with it? When I am faced with a fork in the road, how do I determine the WILL OF GOD? When an opportunity presents itself, how do I KNOW if it’s from God or Satan? When do I KNOW to prepare for what’s coming, like the wise ants that KNOW to store up in summer for winter famine? How do I KNOW how to pray for a dying loved one; what God’s Will is for that person, and not my own will?
Years ago, when I was wondering how God was going to do what He said He would do for us (personally), I asked Him: “Lord, we’ve been waiting so long, please tell me how You will do it?” And the Lord replied: “No, I WILL show you, not tell you.” When God doesn’t expect me (us) to do something in bringing His WILL about, this is the PERSEVERANCE of faith in who the LORD is: Faithful and True; faithful to finish what He starts in us and that which He says to us that HE WILL DO. What God has said He’ll do; He’ll do His own way and in His own timing. I just simply need to walk with Him day to day, trusting in who HE IS, resting in His love for me. Waiting on God is not always easy to do, but it is beneficial in so many ways.
When I think I need to make a decision on something, or someone needs a quick decision from me, then what? What if I don’t know which way to go in a given moment? What if I’m stuck on who to trust or who to believe that will affect me, and others that I’m responsible for, or that will politically affect our country? What should I do or not do about planning ‘practically’ for the future? If I haven’t heard from God on how to pray for someone else going through a hardship (sickness, death, loss), then should I just pray the way I want? How can I KNOW the WILL OF GOD when the Bible isn’t so clear on it? Why is it critical to WAIT ON GOD to REVEAL HIS WILL?
I tend to believe that if I’m looking to the LORD, my hope is in Him and nothing else, trusting Him for what I need – that I can trust that HE WILL direct my steps and decisions.
“’For I KNOW the plans I HAVE for you,” declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to me, and I WILL listen to you. You will seek Me and find me when you seek Me with all your heart. I WILL be found by you,’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:11-14
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.” Psalm 25:8
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He WILL make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
“’I WILL lead the blind by a way they did not know; I WILL guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I WILL do for them, and I WILL not forsake them,’ says the LORD.” Isaiah 42:16