Real World Issues

Finding God's Will

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God." --- Psalms 143:10.

"My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." (Psalms 139:15-16).

Your search for significance and purpose is one of the most important journeys you can take. The psalmist said that he was made skillfully by God, and that in God's book were written the days that were ordained for me, before they came into being. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Only He can give true meaning to your existence, and satisfy the longing in your soul. When He fashioned you skillfully, He placed within you certain gifts and talents for which He has a purpose. God has told us in His Word, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Then with this declaration comes a promise, "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV).

How can I know God's will for my life?

This is not any easy question to answer. Seeking God's will about a situation is something you will do many times throughout your life. In the Bible, God has made known to us His will regarding many aspects of life. His Word, the Psalmist said, "is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105). Paul exhorted Timothy, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Many situations or questions we may encounter don't have such clear cut answers in God's Word. Such as, "Should I date this person? What college should I go to? What should my major be? Should I accept this job?" Questions such as these are wonderful opportunities to draw close to the Lord. Jeremiah spoke, "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV). What a great and precious promise!

1. The first thing you can do to find God's will is pray. If you seek Him with all your heart, He has promised you will find Him. When you pray, He will hear you. Solomon wrote, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6). "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known unto God," Paul said to the Philippians, "and the peace of God, which passeth al understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7). Many times, the answer to our prayers and the assurance we made the right decision comes not in a dramatic fashion, but in the quiet peace which fills our hearts.

2. The second thing is to talk with your parents, a family member, your youth or senior pastor, or to a counselor; someone who has walked where you are walking now, and was faced with making the same decisions. They have a wealth of wisdom stored within. Solomon wrote, "A wise man listens to advice.... a mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise." (Proverbs 12:15; 15:12).

3. Finally, be sensitive to the Spirit's leading. You may hear a voice; but more than likely you will feel that unmistakeable tug at your heart, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21). Once you've reached a decision, many things could happen to confirm it was the right choice; likewise, many things could happen to block or hinder you from carrying out your decision. Learn to read these signs and obey the Spirit's leading (see Acts 16:6-10).

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