Word for Word 5/9/18

God’s Will

Graduation is just around the corner. It is an exciting time for all who are graduating as they contemplate what their future holds. Many will wonder, “what is God’s will for my life?”

The concept of God’s will is often shrouded in mystery but it doesn’t need to be. There are some key concepts that we need to understand when it comes to knowing God’s specific will for us.

First, God wants to be known. He has revealed himself to us primarily through the Bible. Jeremiah 9:24 says: “but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” In this passage God says that He can be known and that there are specific things we are to know about Him.

Second, God loves us.  John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” He loved us so much that He sent his Son to die in our place and pay the penalty of our sin. To enter into a relationship with God we must believe that Jesus is our savior and place our trust in Him. This is the first step to knowing God’s will.

Third, we must cultivate a relationship with our God.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” God will only show us what He wants us to do when we trust Him and not our own foolish understanding.  Psalm 37:3-5 says: “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

Once we have a relationship with God that is vibrant and growing, our desires begin to align with His. Now, our own selfishness can creep in pretty easily, so we need to continually pray and make sure the desires of our heart are in line with what scripture says.

Can we know what God’s will is?  Of course!  God earnestly desires for His people to follow Him and know what He desires for them. But, we need to do our part. We can’t expect God to reveal His will if we are not in a relationship with Him. Begin your relationship with Him today by trusting Him as your savior. Then cultivate a relationship with Him by reading and applying the truths of scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. As you do, God will clearly direct your path.

Pastor Duane Smith
First Baptist Church
Waukon