What is God's Will?

I wish I knew what God was thinking.

God’s primary will and our living toward that truth is revealed in the following passage:

 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.                -I Timothy 2.1-4

 I am quite sure we do know God’s thoughts on a very large number of things. In fact, I am positive that He has fully revealed to us all that we need to know for a “full and meaningful” life. The framework that should guide my life is not hidden at all. The pages of Scripture and Spirit of God that now lives within me shows me the way to go and not to go.

 I am invited to live my life confidently in the revealed truth of God. Living in God’s revealed will is not a timid, tip-toeing through life hoping to not make mistakes but it is a life of confidence “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” [2 Tim. 1.7] It is an invitation to live in freedom and assurance as God guides through His Spirit. He will close doors, remove obstacles, affirm through His Church and the desires in our souls. Some of these things we will be quite aware of and other times we can take in inventory as we look back at our lives.

 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
                                                                                                                                                             -I Peter 2.15-17

 The reason I want to point this out is so that you are not making life more complicated than it needs to be. We need to be honest that at times we are “looking for a sign” or “seeking God’s will” because we are actually wanting to rely on ourselves or maybe move in a different direction than what God is revealing to us. I’ve done this so I speak from experience. Instead, based on God’s love and faithfulness, trust His leading and worship Him expectantly with our lives.

 I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.                                                                    -Romans 12.1-2

 God is faithful, loving and will give us all we need. Sometimes that comes through very clear leading and other times it come through “steps of faith”. But whichever way it comes to us it is the right way and it is God’s Will for building His Kingdom in and through us. One of the first passages I ever memorized wraps it up pretty well:

 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 straight your paths.                                     -Proverbs 3.5-6

In Grace and Truth,
Pastor Nick