Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Finding The Will




The phrase "finding the will of God" is a popular one. But when thinking of it I can't remember any New Testament command to 'find Gods will' or find any instructions to go about it. So the question becomes, does God even have a specific and detailed mysterious at best will for us?

In a few scriptural cases people were directed where to go, who to see. I've had the obvious "sign" every now and again in my life as well. There seems to be no indication at all that the day to day lives of average Christians were directed that way, however. The conclusion I come up with is that its Gods will for us to make Biblically based decisions about the issues we face. Could it be that many Christians are suffering because they are waiting for God to make clear decisions for them. Sincerely believing they are "waiting on God," or "letting go and letting God." Could it be that God expects us to think, research, seek counsel in order to make wise decisions? Maybe we are to take baby steps so we can get ready to run the race.Could it also be that for whatever reason we are just being indecisive while waiting for God to send a thunderbolt or some obvious sign like an answer out of heaven. Taking the risk out of it all. Meanwhile ... a decision is forced on us with the passage of time. Could this be the reason some of us don't have a mate, the job we want, a calling or whatever? And when all this procrastination leaves a sad result we may wonder why God has it in for us. And we are alone or ...

In Colossians Paul tells us that the way to understand God's will is through the gift of wisdom. " ... we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9) In Colossians 2:3 he gives the source of this wisdom "...Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." In James 3:13 we have, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom." I take this to mean that wisdom is evidence of Christ living His life in us. In Romans 12:2, "Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will."

Could it be that we ARE Gods will, or a least in His will when we live our lives close to Jesus in our choices in life? Maybe a more mature faith is when we know He is there with us when we do make decisions and takes risks, instead of relying on some sign to come. I think that he wants us to take steps ... in short go for it ... knowing He will be there when we fall. It may be more a matter of finding the will, than waiting on it.

Just some thoughts ...

Tim

3 comments:

Mikes Sumondong said...

here's my take. Be Still and Know that I am God

Let's not do anything without God saying Go! It doesn't need to be a thunder bolt but a revelation and peace in your heart. Waiting also means seeking. We cannot just wait and hope to see a sign. You need to seek his Word. Pray. Read the Bible. Seek the Counsel of others. and Until there's a confirmation, let's not move. his ways are better than ours. it's good to live accdng to His will.

Laura said...

I have experienced both...the waiting--and the "thinking, researching, and seeking counsel". It's just like Him to make this a gray area, no?

But me, as His will? That's a new thought. One reason I enjoy visiting here--it opens my mind.

thanks for doing that.

blessings,
laura

Unknown said...

IMO, we keep walking, keep moving, keep living, keep loving, as we keep seeking. We remain open and aware...look,listen and feel for confirmation, for evidence...a small still voice, a loud 'hey you', a wise bit of counsel from a God-loving friend or complete stranger that strikes a resounding chord within us and leaves us with a peaceful 'knowing'...the 'I know that I know that I know'. Then, we walk on, with that knowledge, with that peace, in humility and gratitude, knowing that we are doing our best to live out God's will, but knowing also that we are fallible...and that we are loved.