A popular question that many Christians ask today: What is God's will for my life? I myself have asked that same question countless times. In light of recent studies I want to hopefully shed some light on that question.
God's will can be broken up into 3 parts:
1.God's Sovereign Will (Universal Control)
2. God's Moral Will (Ten Commandments mostly)
3. God's Individual Will (specific people)
When it comes to God's will individually, think compass, not roadmap. Think pasture instead of tightrope.
God's will is that we are saved. (1 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4)
God's will is that we are spirit-filled. (Ephesians 5:17-18)
God's will is that we are sanctified. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4,7)
God's will is that we are submissive. (1 Peter 2:13-15)
God's will is that we are suffering. (2 Timothy 3:12)
The will of God is not primarily a place. Meaning that it is not for you to go here or work there. The will of God concerns you as a person. If you are the right person, you can follow desires and you will fulfill His will.
Instead of asking "What is God's will?" We should ask "How do I make wise decisions?" The first question makes us passive, but the second question makes us active.
We have responsibilities, we must weigh our motives and consider others in our decisions. Our motive must be to honor Christ and to love others. (Mark 12:31; Philippians 2:3-4; I Corinthians 10:24) When it comes to the decisions that are within God's moral will, we have a great deal of freedom. It's not absolute freedom; its freedom bound by our concern for others.
We have a command to live wisely and make wise decisions. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)
We have a promise! God gives wisdom to those who seek it. (James 1:5-6; Proverbs 2:1-6)
Finally, we have a decision to make. Not making a decision is a decision. After seeking God for wisdom through prayer and Scripture, seeking counsel from wise people, weighing our motives and considering others, we must prayerfully make a decision.
Four Principles for Decision Making According to God's Will:
1. Obedience- Where God commands, we must obey.
2. Freedom- Where there is no command, God gives us freedom to choose.
3. Wisdom- Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.
4. Humble Trust- When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.
I hope this helps clear away some of the fog behind this concept! God Bless!