The Will of God

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:17

What is the will of God for my life? This question comes up often in conversation and in prayer. It seems Christians are always struggling to figure out what God’s will is for their lives. Usually, this is a question in relation to specific matters such as whom I should marry, where I should work, when should we have kids, when should I retire etc. Verses such as Ephesians 5:17 can cause panic as we realize there are many situations in which we find ourselves and we do not know how to proceed. Rather than do something that is out of the will of God, we do nothing, which often is no better.

What is the will of God for your life? Here are some verses that clearly reveal His will for you.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 tells us that the will of God is that we are sanctified, or set apart for God’s purposes. Paul then gives the example of sexual immorality being one of those things that works against sanctification (being set apart for God’s purposes). It is God’s will that we allow Him to conform us into the image of Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that the will of God is that we give thanks in everything. It is God’s will that we don’t complain about our problems, but rather in them offer thanks to God. To complain is essentially to say God has dealt with us in an unjust manner. God is never unfair. He is more than fair. God’s will for your life is for you to have an attitude of gratitude towards God.

1 Peter 2:15 tells us that the will of God is that we do good. God’s will for you is to seek to bless and be a blessing to others. As a Christian, God wills you to show through your life the goodness that you have received from God.

I believe that when we do what we know, then what we need to know will be revealed to us. In other words, rather than fretting about what God’s will is in your life in regards to the specificities of life, step back and see His will universally (generally). Are you being sanctified, giving thanks, and letting God’s goodness shine through your life? If you would answer ‘no’, then I think that is an indication that you should focus your attention on what you know you should be doing. Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. If you are letting Jesus work out His will in your life in these ways, I trust that, as you continue to seek Him, He will make His will, in more specific matters, clear. Be faithful in what you know and let the Spirit work out the details.