This seems to be a question we all ask from time to time. As Christians our goal should be to live our lives according to God’s will. Yet sometimes we fail to realize that the Bible has already answered this question. God’s will is revealed throughout the Bible. Actual phrases that include the word “will” in relation God, can be found thirty times in the Bible. The specific phrase “will of God” is found twenty-three times, and the phrase “Thy will” can be found seven times. God does not give us specific details as individuals in regards to His will. For example, God does not spell out who we should marry or what career path we should take in the Bible. However, God does give us clear commands and principles He wants us to live by in the choices we make.
Too often I see Christians focus so much about what God wants for them in their individual life, that they lose focus on the fact that God is to be the focus. We are not the focus point of God’s will, He is. We were created for His purpose and pleasure. (Revelation 4:11) He is more concerned about receiving the glory rightly due Him, than He is about our self-centered ideas. Because of our pride nature, sometimes we forget that God does not need us to accomplish His will. God’s will, will be done, regardless of our involvement.
We should always remember that we are privileged to have a part in HIS story. The continual theme throughout the Scripture in regards to God’s will for us first and foremost, is to obey Him. That has been His call from the beginning. That is how we glorify Him and that is His perfect will for each of us. If we miss this core command, we can miss His will for our life. We can ask God what His will is, but first we should listen to His question, “Lovest Thou me?” (John 21:15-17) God says,“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, 1 John 5:2-3)
The Bible has given us all the answers we need. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “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.”
The life decisions we make as individuals should always line up with what He has already revealed to us in His Word. He created each one of us with specific skills and gifts for His purposes. As we make our life choices, whether they are big or small, we should do so in obedience to God’s Word. He will then direct our path. (Proverbs 3:5-6) King Solomon, in his great wisdom, concluded his life recognizing that God’s will for man came back to this truth.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
The thirty Scripture passages I mentioned at the beginning about God’s will, are listed below. I encourage you to read through these Scriptures, pray about God’s will for you as you meditate on them. Apply them daily in your life and watch God direct your path.
Mark 3:32-35, Acts 13:32-37, Romans 1:8-12, Romans 8:18-33, Romans 12, Romans 15:30-33, 1 Corinthians 1:1-10, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, Galatians 1:1-5, Ephesians 1:1-6, Ephesians 6:5-10, Colossians 1:1-17, Colossians 4:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Hebrews 10:30-39, 1 Peter 2:13-24, 1 Peter 3:14-17, 1 Peter 4:1-2, 1 Peter 4:16-19, 1 John 2:15-17, Psalm 4:6-8, Psalm 143:8-11, Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 26:36-42, Luke 11:1-4, Hebrews 10:1-17
In Times Like These 