People often ask me, “How can I know that I am in the will of God?” I’m happy to tell them that the answers to the most important aspects of God’s will are clearly outlined in the Scriptures. The more we marinate in and meditate on the Scriptures, the better we will understand God’s will for our lives. To be sure, the Bible does not tell us which car to buy, what job to take, or which person to marry. But the Scriptures do give us a solid framework for making the best possible decisions that will bring us the most happiness and give the greatest glory to God.
Jesus modeled this truth for us throughout His entire earthly existence. Perhaps, there is no better place to see this than in His wilderness experience and His thrice times utterance: “IT IS WRITTEN!” For every attack the devil threw His way, Jesus countered with the Word of God . . . and every counter conquered His adversary.
What was true for Jesus then is true for us today. But we cannot counter with the Word of God unless we know the Word of God; we cannot know the Word of God unless we are reading the Word of God.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Romans 12:2)
Being a disciple of Jesus goes far beyond mere behavior modification. It is simply not enough to refrain from doing what those in the world do. Our minds must be renewed to the point where our hearts are reoriented, which results in our will being realigned to the will of God. This is the work of His Holy Spirit, yet God calls us to take part in this process of renewal. We must discipline ourselves to read the Word of God, to attend church, to pray, and to serve.
Think about it this way: God has given us the great privilege of participating in the process of growing to maturity in our faith. To be sure, it is all of grace, but God empowers us to play our role. The more we play our role, the better we can discern God’s will for our lives. As the Spirit of God transforms us from the inside out, our will begins to align with the will of the Almighty. We make decisions that are both pleasing to God and beneficial to others . . . all others.
So . . . how are you doing in living out God’s will for your life? Could you use a little tune-up in the area of the renewing of your mind? If so, simply follow the prescription provided in the Sermon on the Mount:
ASK . . . SEEK . . . KNOCK!
Remember, “Everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). Ask God to work in you to will and to act according to His good purposes, and then determine to do your part in drawing closer to Him. And do you know what? As you do these things, you will be right smack in the middle of God’s will!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 