10/24/2020
We must be careful in doing those things we think that God would have us do. So often we go about the job of accomplishing what we think is God’s will for us when it is actually our own contrived desire, and not His at all. Be cautious friends so that before it is time for us to take action we have thoroughly sought out, and understood, what it is that He expects of us... His will.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:17 ESV
Ann and I hadn’t been married very long; as a matter of fact it was our first Christmas as a married couple. I had no idea what I should get her as a Christmas gift, so I started paying attention to what she said in our everyday conversation as I looked for any hint! Then one evening we were working about the house and our old hand me down vacuumed cleaner wouldn’t pick up dirt as it should (probably why it was given to us). At that moment the light went on in my head! I would give her a new one for Christmas!
So, I borrowed a Consumer Reports book from a friend at work, and determined what the best model was. I was so proud of how meticulous I had been, and went to a local appliance store where I bought her this highly rated vacuum cleaner. It was our tradition to exchanged gifts at her parent’s house on Christmas Eve, and I was so excited about the coming day, that I could hardly sleep the night before.
Finally the day came, and when we arrived at her parent’s house I placed my rather large box under the Christmas tree. We had a wonderful dinner, and then gathered in the living room to open gifts... I couldn’t wait to see her face when she opened her present. My bother in laws each presented their gifts to their wives, and as they were being received with hugs and kisses I still thought that my gift was better than all those rings, and pieces of other jewelry. At last it was Ann’s turn and I waited for her to open her other gifts before setting mine at her feet! She couldn’t imagine what might be in such a large box, and I watched her face as she began to tear the paper from it. Suddenly her expression dropped, and I could tell instantly that my gift was not what she had expected. My excitement, evaporated with hers, and I realized that my gift was not what she had anticipated... I had missed the mark.... just as badly as Cain had when he presented his offering to God.
“but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.”
Genesis 4:5 ESV
When we assume that we will know what God desires of us without seeking his will, we are treading on shaky ground. When we think we know God’s mind, or what He has planned for our future we are traversing a slippery slope. You see, our mind is not His mind, any more than my mind was An ‘s mind on that first Christmas Eve.
“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 12:2 ESV
Since that first Christmas Eve, I have asked Ann to give me gift ideas for every birthday, anniversary, and Christmas. It is a smart thing to do, and makes for a pleasant day. Knowing the will of God is like this, and Jesus sought it diligently. Even though He was God’s Son, He knew that He couldn’t discern the will of God on His own...
““I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true.”
John 5:30-31 ESV
In this way we should always seek the will of God before assuming that we know what He expects of us, and what He would have us do. When we charge off on our own we are setting ourselves up for failure. Sometimes we think that what we are preparing to do will please God... only to find that we were wrong. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you know His calling for you until you have knelt before Him and asked. It might seem right to you, because it is your desire, and done with a good heart, and yet it is as contrary as night and day in regards to what God had planned. Don’t give God vegetables when He wants fatty meat, or a vacuum cleaner when He wants a pretty ring. Seek His will always.
Prayer:
Thank you Father for the lessons we find in your Word, and especially those like the one we read about understanding your will for us. Teach us in life those things that will serve us spiritually, and provide us lessons in the spirit that will serve us in our lives. Never let us forget to seek your will in all that we do, and especially in those things associated with your calling for us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you whose ways are mysterious to us, and who has such a perfect plan for us. Praised be your name Lord each time you reveal your will to us. Great are you in wisdom, and foresight, as we kneel before you asking for your clarification. Merciful are you to guide us back into your will when we have strayed from it, and for rejuvenating our joy in you when we return. Once we have come to understand your will then guide us in our obedience Father. Wash us clean in the blood of your Son Jesus who sought your will in all things, and through His redemption find a us acceptable, and a place at your table forevermore.
Rich Forbes