05/13/2020
Does God’s will for you seem like a total mystery to you that can’t be resolved, or understood? Do you pray for Him to reveal it to you, but hear only silence? Well, the will of God for you is not meant to remain a mystery, it is as certain as the blood of Christ, as complete as our forgiveness from sin, and we have no part in determining it... It is totally in support of God’s purpose and is made known to us through His grace which flows through Jesus Christ; facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ”
Ephesians 1:7-9 ESV
There are two parts to the plan that God has for us, there is His portion that has to do with His greater will for all of creation, and then there is a second part that is specific to each of us, and how we are meant to take part in that much larger plan. The first part is beyond our understanding, and remains with God, but He means for us to understand His will for us, and gives it to us as an eternal possession to be understood not only by us, but by our children, and throughout our future generations.
““The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV
Plans are like journeys, they have a purpose, and they have a progression. If we don’t have a purpose then we are merely wandering, and that is not a journey, and we don’t begin any pilgrimage or journey at its destination... we begin by taking the first step along a very specific way. So it is with God’s will for us, and God leads us a step at a time to its culmination, beginning with the very first step in His will for us...
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
And then each step of God’s will is added one at a time to us. Continuing next with the second step, which is to believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God...
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
John 3:36 ESV
So first we seek God, then we believe In Jesus, and at that point we become aware of God's will for us as it starts unfolding before us... one step at a time... one day’s journey along His way followed by a pause for the night, and then another day. God gives us what we need to understand and complete each day; beginning with our receiving the Holy Spirit...
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:19-22 ESV
Jesus told His disciples that they were being sent on the next day’s journey In God’s plan for them, but gave them the Holy Spirit first. Through the Spirit God gives us the tools we need for what lies ahead; He gives us such things as power, wisdom, understanding, and whatever is necessary for the next day’s trek.
So now we are ready to know God’s will for our day‘s travel. Now He will reveal to us what that day holds, and give us an understanding of it. This is how we come to know God’s will for us. He will show us His purpose, Which is a longer view, but not necessarily what awaits us beyond this day’s journey. We are meant to travel towards God by taking one step at a time, and going one day’s distance before pausing to be refreshed, renewed, and shown His will for us during the next day.
So let’s go back to the beginning question regarding our search for God’s will for us, and address the reasons why we might not think we are receiving God’s will for us. First is this... we don’t ask God to reveal His will to us without first seeking to know Him, and then we must believing in Him, and His Son Jesus. Have you come to this point in your journey? Next we must ask to receive the Holy Spirit as our guide, and fellow sojourner on our pilgrimage. This is not difficult, and is a gift given by grace. Have you asked?
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.””
Acts 2:38-39 ESV
Then, finally we ask God to reveal His will to us, and by His Spirit, give us understanding. Sometimes God shows us His long term plan, but most of the time it is simply our next step. This is where many people say that they haven’t been shown God’s will for them... they ask for a roadmap detailing the entire journey when what they are being given is the next step... one that they must take in faith. We walk, and do, God’s will by faith, and each step we take not only teaches us of God, and His will, but strengthens us in faith as we are prepared for our next step.
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
So when we pray, and ask for God to reveal His will for us, we shouldn’t presume we will know how He will answer. We should listen for Him to call out us , or simply ask us to step out in faith. Then at the end of each day we can look back and say to ourselves “Aha, there it is... that was God’s larger will for me!”
Prayer:
Father, thank you for including me in your grand plan for all of creation, and for using me to accomplish those things that are your will for me each day. Thank you for Jesus Christ who obediently stepped out in your will, and who teaches me to do the same. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides me, gives me remembrance of your Word, and opens my eyes so that I will understand what you have for me to do. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who has a plan for me, and who makes provision for my journey of faith. Praised be your name as you reveal your will to me, and guide me in it by your Holy Spirit. Great are you In all things, and in you I place my unwavering trust. You steady me, and keep my foot from slipping, or stumbling, as I step out in faith towards you. Hear my prayers each day as I ask for you to lead me, and teach me more of who you are. I lean on your Word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and on the understanding I receive from your Holy Spirit. Make your will, and your ways known to me, and strengthen my belief so that I will have the courage to walk in it now, and forevermore... looking back to admire how far you have brought me, and how perfect my transformation has become.
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:20-21 ESV
Rich Forbes