How many times have you asked yourself or heard others say: “If I only knew God’s will for my life. I don’t know whether to turn to the left, to the right, or to move straight ahead or somewhere in between?” When faced with many good choices, this is especially true. For example, what college to attend, where to go on vacation, choosing between 2 or more excellent career opportunities, which car to buy, which home, and the list goes on.
How important is one decision?
Can one decision truly determine my destiny?
We are not talking about those times when we allow our flesh or wrong desires to manipulate us into making choices that are clearly stated in His Word as crossing God’s boundary of righteousness. We would all agree that choosing to sin will result in consequences that can change our hoped-for destiny in life.
We must not allow the fear of being outside of God’s will to paralyze us. God’s will is good, perfect, and acceptable. Romans 12:2, “As you mature spiritually, be transformed and progressively changed by the renewing of your mind. Focus on godly values and ethical attitudes, so that you may prove for yourselves what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect in His plan and purpose for you.”
Recently I was reading about knowing God’s will, and I was referred to Philippians 4: 8-9. I have always used this passage to help me change my wrong thought patterns.
The Word instructs us to center our thoughts or focus on those confirmed by His Word; those that are true, honorable, right, pure, wholesome, lovely, and bring peace. Think continually about things that are worthy of praise and plant them in your heart.
The author stated that I could not only change my thought patterns by applying this passage, but I could also determine God’s will for my life. I remember thinking – ‘how in the world did he get that out of this passage’?
Now before you decide that I am not correctly applying Scripture, hear me out. I would like to hear what you think about what I am about to share.
Have you ever noticed how often God repeats His instructions in the Word; He presents the same truth or principle, over and over, just using different words. Think about the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. We are told that we will not fulfill the flesh’s deeds if the Spirit leads us and that His life, the Fruit of the Spirit, will be evident in our walk.
Consider 2 Peter 1: 5-10. We are instructed to add to our faith or supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. If we do this, we will grow spiritually, and we will live a life that inspires and encourages others in their faith.
Both Scripture passages give us instructions on how we can deepen our walk with the Lord; to have a continuing, intimate relationship with God. As you read through these passages, what is the common thread that runs through each one?
The words describe God’s character, God’s heart.
I am reminded of Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” What does it mean to you to delight yourself in the Lord?
A few meanings from Webster’s 1828 dictionary: Delight is a more permanent pleasure than joy and not dependent on sudden excitement. To please highly, to give or afford high satisfaction or joy; to receive great pleasure in, to have or take great pleasure; to be incredibly pleased or rejoiced.
I believe that God has shown us in His Word that He finds pleasure in not only our obedience but also in taking the time to learn about His character, to know His heart so that we reflect both His character and His heart in our relationships.
Note what Jonathan’s armor-bearer replied in 1 Samuel 14:7 when he was invited to join Jonathan in fighting the Philistines; his response was, “do everything that is in your heart. Here I am with you in whatever you think best.” His armor-bearer completely trusted Jonathan’s decision, and he willingly followed him into battle at the risk of his own life.
Do I know God’s heart like that? How often have I said to God, ‘do everything that is in Your heart; here I am with You in whatever You think best.’ It is when we find pleasure in our heavenly Father, when we take the time to delight ourselves in His ways, His heart, that God’s desires become our desires.
I am willing to follow Him wherever He leads – no matter the risk to me.
What does all this have to do with knowing God’s will and Philippians 4: 8-9? These verses describe God’s heart, His character. He is everything and more.
As I look at the unique and excellent options before me, how do these lead me to know His will?
First: because each choice reflects the heart of God, I can know that whatever decision I make, it will be God’s will. I do not believe that God has only one good, perfect and acceptable will for our lives. If that were true, would any of us be in the center of God’s perfect, good, suitable, and pleasing will? Of course not!
Instead of fretting over which one God would have me choose, instead see them all as noble, excellent, and pleasing. God will be pleased with whatever one I prefer.
Once that is settled, what is the next step? How do I decide?
Have you ever stopped to consider what you are passionate about, what excites you, what are your dreams?
I encourage you to take the time to answer that question. For many years I have expressed that my passion is to share God’s Word to women, teaching the truth, and seeing women’s lives be transformed! Many different avenues are possible to fulfill my passion. It can be within the body of Christ, outside the church, on the internet, through cards, a blog, and the list goes on and on. I am discovering all the many, many avenues available to me as I continue to follow my passion, journey, and destiny.
So the next time you wonder what God’s will is as you face a decision, look at each option; think about your motivation for choosing your most desired choice.
Does it fulfill your passion?
Does it meet the test of God’s heart, God’s character?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, you can know that your Heavenly Father is smiling in the heavenlies. 