So, how do you know what God’s will is concerning a matter that you bring to Him in prayer? Should I marry this person, or not? Should I take this job? Buy this house? Move to that city?
As Christians we bring before God even such matters as these. Why? Because we realize that we can’t see into the future, but He can. He knows what is best for us and those around us. He knows how the whole complex web of life fits together and what action will positively or negatively impact someone else.
Sometimes the answer is clear when we pray “thy will be done.” We see Scripture and the language is clear regarding the course of action or inaction we should take. “Thy will be done” assumes, of course, that we are indeed desirous that His will to be done in our lives. That has to be step number one: humble, willing submission to the will of God–submitting with the faith that He will guide you to in the right path, even though it may not be your first choice.
We also have to believe that God is our caring Father, who will only do what is best for us. He will never give you stones when you ask for bread. This attitude give assurance that God is my Father, who will make sure that all things work out for good in caring for me.
So, you have prayed and asked for God’s will in your decision. You have searched the Scriptures to seek the right path. Is there anything else? Yes. You will often find it helpful to seek counsel from a wise, mature Christian brother or sister. Such a person will want to help you find God’s will in a given matter.
What I find interesting and exciting is how God reveals His will. Sometimes it just jumps out of the pages of Scripture and smacks you in the face. Or, that wise Christian brother/sister gives counsel that is convicting and enlightening. Sometimes, God reveals His will through circumstance. Take the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
“When Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane knowing that the hour of His crucifixion would soon come, He being in great distress prayed to His Father: “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Mat 26:39).
He went back to His Father twice again with the same appeal. Three times He sought God’s will that night. After the third time it was clear what God’s will was: He knew Judas had betrayed Him and just then Judas appeared with armed men in tow to arrest Him. There was no other way, so, Jesus humbly yielded to God’s will, which worked to His glory and our salvation.
One time I sought God’s will in the matter of a job in my school district. Should I stay on as a teacher or accept a job in administration? I asked Him to make it clear to me. Here is what happened: after 7 years of teaching, I was offered the 7th job available as an assistant principal. The offer came on the 27th day of the month, and I was to begin in the 7th month. Well, the number seven has significance in the Bible, signifying divine perfection or completeness.
- On the 7th day God rested after completing the creation
- There are 7 annual Holy Days
- Jesus taught Peter to forgive 70 times seven
- The land is to rest in the 7th year
- The Jubilee Year (release from debt) came after 49 years (7×7)
That may not have convinced you, but it did me. I took the job in administration.
The end result of this process of seeking God’s will is inner peace. We don’t look back and doubt, we look forward in faith, knowing that our Father is ever faithful to His children and walks with us every step of the way through life.
May God’s will be done in your life. Pasto