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Doing His Will May Not Be Automatic
Do you find yourself struggling to do the will of God? Are you frustrated with yourself? Surely once we know His will, we just decide to do it and viola, we’re doing it. It seems like it should be that simple. Here’s another question: do you know how to follow His will? That’s where wisdom comes into the equation. It’s one thing to know His will, it may be another to know how to accomplish it.
Of course, we may find ourselves contending with our flesh. Not to mention those ingrained thoughts and habits that may need changing. Otherwise known as strongholds (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Perhaps, We Need to be Taught to Follow His Will
In the Psalms, David said something profound about following the will of God.
Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness (Psalm 144:10).
There are plenty of references to him asking God to reveal His will; but in this instance, David asks to be taught to do it. Here’s something that might not be so obvious about this passage: his asking to be taught to do His will means there is an actual desire to begin with. Otherwise, why would he ask?
Here’s a take away: feeling frustrated about not fulfilling the will of God, reveals you actually possess the desire to complete it. If it wasn’t so, why the frustration? It gives us a reason to be grateful for the struggle; even though, it can be frustrating.
Of course, God actually helps us with the desire.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This may also reveal the will to do His good pleasure isn’t as innate as we would like to believe. At least, apart from our new nature. It demonstrates God deserves all the glory for all good things done in and through us. If humility comes hard for you, stop and meditate on all the Lord has done for you. None of us can even claim ownership of the desire to do His will.
Moreover, there are a number scriptures in which David asks to be taught His ways. If our ways don’t match His, what is the likelihood we would accomplish His will, especially if we try doing it our way? The more connected you are to His ways, the easier it is to accomplish His will. Desire isn’t enough, we need to know how to accomplish His will in the manner that is pleasing to Him.
God Uses Our Experience to Teach Us
What’s another word we could use for doing His will? Obedience. Did you realize God uses those things we experience, or suffer to teach us obedience? Consider what Scripture says about Jesus in this regard.
Hebrews 5:8-9 Though he were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.
As the Son of man, Jesus suffered as a human. He experienced what we experience, including temptation; and yet, He did so without sin. He showed us the way of obedience. He humbled Himself and was taught of God. Look at what He said about Himself.
When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as my Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him (John 8:28-29).
Holy Spirit is our Teacher Who uses our experiences to instruct us in the way of righteousness. He uses our mistakes to both correct and teach us His ways. If we remain humble, Holy Spirit can use our failures as stepping stones to success. Which means our failures are no longer failures. They become lessons. God uses everything in His economy for our benefit (see Romans 8:28).
Hebrews 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth (disciplines), and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.
Be uplifted, our Father will not leave you alone either.
