I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Pursuit.” Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author.
God’s will has been on my mind quite a bit recently… I’ve been doing my best to seek God’s will in making some pretty important decisions. Amidst all of this, I thought it would be a really good idea to explore and try to find out… what exactly is God’s will? How do I go about finding it? And how do I know it when I find it?
God’s will… fits… perfectly!
Does God have a will for our lives? Absolutely… each and every one of us! His plan fits together like the pieces of a puzzle… each piece goes exclusively in only one place… matching exactly… sliding together precisely… it’s like a match made in heaven… a perfect fit!
God’s will is His perfect plan. We need to just look to Jesus to understand this…
Jesus said “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.“ John 6: 37-38
Jesus came here and lived in the flesh… a man with a mission! Do you believe that God had a very specific plan for Jesus’ life here? I know I do… in fact, Jesus and the prophets predicted it precisely countless times in scripture.
Like Jesus, our purpose should be to seek and follow the will of God… not that of our human desires. It may at times conflict with our own free will, and it may at times be scary and not make a lot of sense to us… but we should follow… obediently and faithfully.
Why?
Because our God is a good and faithful God… He only wants the best for us. When we walk with Him and we follow His perfect plan good things start to happen… we see abundant fruit show up… the blessings that we thought were out of our reach are now attainable and given freely. It may seem unreal… like it just wasn’t meant to be and certainly can’t last. It seems crazy… but it is true… wholesome… pure… and lovely!!
And what about that scary part?
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ — if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:14-17
When we walk in faith with God we have absolutely nothing to fear for He is right there with us. Don’t forget the 23rd Psalm…
“… even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me…”
Be afraid… Not!
How do we find it?
- It starts by aligning ourselves with God… being in right standing with Him. Do you feel like you are in right standing with Him now?
We can start by seeking it through prayer…
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we ask of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
With this verse we know with confidence that God listens… and answers when we seek His will.
We’ve all prayed it before in this verse, right?
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven…“ Matthew 6: 9-10
We should always seek God’s will… and seek it first and foremost.
“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16: 7-8
How do I know God’s will when I find it?
God communicates with us in the following ways:
- He is the great counselor… we can see a great deal of God’s will for us by simply reading and absorbing His word. There is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge in there for the taking.
- Through the Holy Spirit. It’s a gift… savor it and don’t ever throw this gift aside.
- Through visions, or dreams…
- Through other people.
Sometimes it will be incredibly obvious… like an Ahhh Haaa Moment. It may show up in the form of a gift, like from the Holy Spirit. It is a true, pure and lovely gift… if it does show up, savor it… it’s not to be taken lightly.
If you seek His will but don’t seem to find it… hang in there, He will show you clearly… when He’s ready… just do your best to stay in right standing… and close to Him.
God’s will. I believe it’s the most worthy pursuit…
Will you LIVE it with me?
Christian Writers Blog Chain
ooops I was too early
but this pursuit post is even better than the last
good one
hee hee, thanks JB
This is an exceptional post, Chris! I love how you state that God’s will is the “most worthy pursuit.” I agree with you 100%! I tried pleasing myself and following my own nose for years, and I will tell you that self-will most definitely does not lead to a blessed life. Now that I’m listening to the Lord, and trying to follow Him and please Him, I am truly and deeply blessed. Who knew?! Oh, that’s right – He told us in His word.
lol… too funny Sandi, love it, thanks for sharing your thoughts!!
Very inspiring post- what have we to fear? Nothing, Christ is for us! We may not know how everything is going to work out, but we rest easy trusting in the one who does know!
So true TC, Jesus ties it all together
Chris this is outstanding. Thanks for this.
Thank you Adam for your encouragement, I really appreciate it!!
Chris,
I really like this post and it spoke powerfully to me. Thank you. When we do what we were made to do, there is an overwhelming sense of fulfillment regardless of the work and pain involved.
Yep, God made each and every one of us in a very special and unique way, for sure Mike!
Great post, Chris. You truly have your priorities properly aligned. Peace and Blessings
Man, I wish it was just that easy E.G.
Peace back at ya!!
Good post Chris! I’ll be living it with you!
Good to hear Joe, thank you dude
This is a lofty and honorable pursuit. I am committed to live it with you. There is no greater aim/goal in life. Thanks for this post!
Sweet, thanks David!!
Excellent post, Chris. This is one pursuit that is anything but “trivial”!
Yep, I seriously want to put this puzzle together
Excellent post Chris. Definitely a pursuit we are called to make.
Thank you Bill !!
Hi Chris, Nice reminder about God’s Will…we can all surely be at peace, reminding ourselves that He knows, even when we don’t. Holly
I always find peace through Him. Thank you Holly for stopping by and adding to the conversation here
This is a really deep and wonderful post, Chris, and wonderfully written. Aligning ourselves to the Holy Spirit in us is the biggest and best way to find our “calling.”
I think God’s “will” for everyone is to love Him, keep His commandments and share His love with others. Everyone should be able to figure that part out, right? [grin]
Yep, I know I want to get jiggy with it Carol, good stuff !!
Chris, seems the Lord inspired me to write the same things you’ve spoken here – Pursue Him is our highest calling. In Him we find all the things our soul desires. Seeking Him, trusting Him and believing His word – Yep that is His Will. As for specific missions, I’ve discovered as I live for Him, the plans He has for me is just as said “Puzzle Piece” it comes together, fits perfectly and you know it! Peace and Blessings Bro!
Thank you Terrie for affirming what we both know to be true!
“Trouble chases sinners, while blessings chase the righteous!” Proverbs 13:21 – loved reading this at your place too
I like your use of questions and answers through the post – it made me connect better as I read. Thanks!
Thanks for the insight Pauline, I will try to do this more often
Great focus for pursuit Chris.
I once heard someone say that the safest place to be is in the centre of God’s will.
Oh wow, I LOVE that one, thank you Adam!!
This was so encouraging!
Thank you Suzette… God is Good… All the Time
A wonderful and inspiring post, Chris! The pursuit of God’s will is always at the top of my list! I’m sorry I’m so late in commenting. Life has been somewhat overwhelming lately.
I always appreciate any time you can stop by Lynn, thank you!!
Fantastic post, Chris. I’m with you.
Sweet, thanks Traci