Reflections – 2017.06

What is God’s Will for My Life?

Graduation season is here!  One of the good things about graduations, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other big events is that they provide us with one more opportunity to think about our life – where we have been, where we are going and so on.  A question that sometimes comes up in times of transition like this, especially as one considers college or a new career, is “what is God’s will for my life?”

Usually the expectation or desire is for the Lord to somehow reveal his “will” in a special way, maybe a notion, a sense, a feeling … and once a good feeling about something is experienced, we decide what “God’s will” is, e.g., where He would want us to go to school or to work, or who He would want us to marry.  Truthfully, though, the questions surrounding college, career or any other life transition choices are probably best answered by spending time with those who are trusted older wiser counselors, friends and family, hearing what they have to say and then just making a choice, and trusting the Lord in that choice rather than waiting for a special revelation to tell you what to do.

This is not to say that God’s will does not concern you.  God’s will for your life is clearly stated in the Scriptures.  Consider the following passages:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor …” (I Thessalonians 4:3-4)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (I Peter 3:17)

“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)

“Your kingdom come, your will be done…” (Matthew 6:10)

We know from these passages and others in the Scripture that it is God’s will that we would have a life in the first place (He made us), it is His will that we are His people brought into His Kingdom (He saved us at great cost), it is His will to preserve us (for nothing can snatch us from His hands) … and it is His will that we seek to be more like His Son – holy, good, perfect, self-controlled, in but not of this world.  And as Christians, His will is that we would rejoice, give thanks always, and pray.  There is plenty to do and God’s will for my life encompasses all of my life, past, present and future.

So would you like to know God’s will for your life?  Search the Scriptures and you will see He has much in store for you and that He calls you to a life of repentance, faith, and obedience as you follow Christ.  This is His will … may our desire be like Christ’s – that no matter what, may His will be done!