The Problem With God's Will

Doing God's will is a universal goal for people of faith. It is a defining aspiration, a consuming passion, and a guiding force which is at the core of most people's spiritual experience. It defines their purpose for existing. Some believe that everything is predetermined and will work out as God wants no matter what we do. Others believe that they must choose the right path from among those paths before them.

Without debating the two, it is safe to say that some will live defeated lives while believing that nothing can be done about their lot in life, while others may develop an unhealthy obsession with making the "right" choice and live in constant fear of making a wrong move that will send their life horribly out of control. Obviously, most anyone would want something better than the previously described situations.

With this in mind, allow me to point out several approaches to living out one's faith with more confidence - no matter your point of view. To begin with it is important to see God at work in your life - not in some vague general way - but specifically at work for your good. Paul writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

In addition, we can acknowledge His goodness. Often people focus on the bad in life or the pitfalls they experience. Instead, we can choose to focus on the good that God has allowed us to experience in life. By acknowledging the good that God has placed in our lives we are reminding ourselves of God's generosity to you and me and His obvious love for us. It is often that little adjustment in our thinking that transforms us from a victim to a conqueror.

Finally, we can determine that we will follow His directions for our lives willingly. People often have told me that they cannot find God's will for their lives. Yet, the pages of God's Word are filled with clear directions as to how one should live his life. Admittedly, some decisions are difficult, but most could be made easier by simply doing what we have already been shown in God's Word. In fact, I would go as far as to say that most of our struggles with God's will are not with knowing His will, but rather with doing His will. Finding God's will is much easier than doing His will because the undertaking of His will often takes us beyond our comfort zone.

Paul clearly admonishes those who want to please God in Romans 12:2, "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." NIV

Allow me to say it this way, "Do not approach life like those who reject God. Line your thinking up with God's Word and you can see God leading you and at work in your life." When you do this, you will see that finding God's will or purpose for your life is not a problem after all.