Finding God’s Will (Part Two)

In the previous blog, we touched on people resisting God’s will due to the fact they don’t want to face discomfort. There’s one more small piece to add to this idea, before moving on to finding God’s will. No one likes suffering, and this seems especially true in affluent segments of the world. Moreover, they seem to be afraid of it. It’s as if their primary adjective in life is comfort and happiness. It’s by no means limited to the affluent; however, many aren’t seeking the will of God because they’re afraid it may include suffering. The Bible does have some things to say about it. Here are a couple for your consideration:
   The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:17-18). What is yet to come far outweighs our present circumstances. Life as we know it has a shelf life, and so does suffering for that matter.
Secondly, Jesus said: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:10-12). In short, if we suffer for His sake, there is great reward.
Regardless of whether you follow God’s will or your own, as long as you’re in this world you will face suffering of various sorts. With that in mind, think long term. If you were to decide to follow your own will, and ignore His, you would very well suffer regret in the very end.
An obvious theme to this this blog series is our willingness to be in the center of God’s will is paramount in finding it. The more committed you are to Him, the easier it will be. Your love will dictate your desire. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Love is the starting point to finding His will; in fact, it is the center of His will. No one has to tell you it’s the will of God to love Him and others as yourself. Love includes patience and kindness; it excludes selfishness. It’s being Christ-like. It means embracing His character as your own.
Jesus communed with the Father, and by so doing, He knew His will. John 5:19-20 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
His example reveals the importance of being the state of communion with Him. You have to spend time with God to know His will. Sure, He can and does guide us through our ignorance. And the key there is an open heart. Walking in His will is also a walk of faith. It requires listening and obeying. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Moreover, the Bible says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). There is the process of hearing and being led, and it all works by love (see Galatians 5:6). If you ask, He will reveal His desires for you. Sometimes it will be very clear, other times He’ll reveal it as you go along in life. Do a lot of listening!
It is important to embrace fellowship with God; otherwise, you may develop a Master-slave mentality. Yes, we do serve Him, but we do so as sons and daughters. We do things together. 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. We freely serve Him. Remember also, He is interested in your desires as well. Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
Why is this last point important? Some believe if you have desire to do something, it cannot be God’s will. In many cases, it’s quite the opposite. As you delight in the Lord, He drops things into your spirit that He desires for you. You may have a desire to do something, because He had the desire first. Of course, a person may have an aspiration that doesn’t fit His will. One example would be person who is operating out of a lust. It also could be a combination. Meaning, what you desire may be the very center of His, but it’s a matter of His timing in order for it to take place. “Yes, but not now.” It’s easy to get in a hurry, and yes, procrastinate as well. Just know He is faithful, and He will put you on the right track, if you stay open.

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