Christians are often forced to make critical decisions in life, and the question that should first come to our mind is: ‘what is God’s will regarding this?’ Although we know it is important, how exactly to discern and then do God’s will, can be confusing and easily misunderstood. Moreover, can a person be assured of being in the centre of God’s will?
The Bible, God’s revealed Word, contains his will and can never contradict it. Here, God requires us to know what he wants in order to be wise (Eph.5:17). God then, is not going to hide his will from us, is he? However, God reveals his will, both general and specific, in some specific ways not merely for us to understand but to undertake for his blessing lies is ‘doing’ it (John 7:27; 13:7). There are at least three distinct sources that serve as divine guidelines through which we may discern and determine what is God’s will for us.
The first source that helps discover God’s will is the perfect Word of God – the Bible. This is objective truth, and an eternal source that will endure forever, which God has exalted above his name! It is inspired literally God-breathed, therefore reliable and it also claims (2Tim 3:16) to be profitable for doctrine [i.e. it tells us what is right] reproof [shows us what is not right] correction [helps us get right] and for instruction [enables us to stay and live right].
The second source for guidance is an internal one and in a sense, subjective truth. Along with God’s written Word, The Christian is given God’s Holy Spirit as a permanent resident (Rom 8:9). The Spirit knows the mind as well as the will of God (1Cor.2:11-12). As our teacher and counselor, through what seems strange or even unexpected circumstances, he leads us into all truth (Jn. 14:16, 26; 16:13). Nevertheless, it is crucial that the believer seeking the Spirit’s guidance, is filled or more accurately controlled and obediently yielded to the Spirit – His gracious enabling and giftings (Eph. 5:17,18).
The third source that helps us know God’s will is an external source yet a divine gift indeed –godly counsel from mature Spirit-filled believers. This collective truth can be reassuring and further reinforces its objective and subjective aspects. Think about this: the Christian God is himself community and has not created us as islands to live unto ourselves. He has placed believers into Christ’s body, the Church so that with all the saints we may know God’s love and purposes (Eph. 3:18; 4:15). Such collective wisdom is the need of the hour when so-called ‘prophetic’ words selfishly or dangerously are misleading gullible Christians (Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 19:20). In this way, we gain from other’s proven experiences, can clarify our only understanding of God’s will and be confident in doing it from our hearts!
God wants to know his will and those who desire to do it will know it (if not, why should He reveal it?). When we trust Christ as Savior, he furnishes us with the needed spiritual resources to do his will: His Word, Spirit and Community.
Do you have these good gifts to use? If not, determine to study the Bible daily, listen to the Spirit’s voice and be a part of Christian growth or accountability group today. This will not exempt us from tough times and what people call ‘unfortunate situations’ yet remember our God always is in control and may the following truths by an unknown writer further encourage us:
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God will not keep you
Where the arms of God will not support you,
Where the riches of God will not supply your needs,
Where the power of God will not endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God will not work through you
Where the wisdom of God will not teach you,
Where the army of God will not protect you,
Where the hands of God will not mould you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God will not enfold you
Where the mercies of God will not sustain you,
Where the peace of God will not calm your fears,
Where the authority of God will not overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God will not dry your tears,
Where the Word of God will not feed you,
Where the miracles of God will not be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God will not find you!
Chris Gnanakan, Phd
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