Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The desire to know and to do God’s will is at the heart of the Christian faith. Christians often agonize over decisions, praying fervently and seeking godly counsel about what college to attend, whether to stay single or marry, what career path to take, and countless other significant, and sometimes not so significant, issues.
Some believers think that God has a specific, individualized plan for each of our lives and that the responsibility of the Christian is to discover that plan and live according to it. Others see God’s will as a path of faithfulness, of wisdom, that we follow but with the freedom to make choices along the way.
The purpose of this discussion is to challenge you to think about these important matters and consider how they affect your decision-making processes. Watch this clip and see how it informs your thinking about God’s will:
Next, read the following article and book review presenting different views of God’s will:
- Jerry Sittser, The Will of God as a Way of Life
(*MyACU login required) - Decision Making and the Will of God
Discussion Questions:
- Whether you are seventeen of seventy, as you look back on your life, what have you learned that is truly important? What does this say about your understanding of God’s will? In other words, what is the relationship between what you consider of supreme value (from lessons you have learned through life’s experiences) and the kinds of plans you have for yourself involving the future?
- Many great spiritual writers such as Frances de Sales, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, and Augustine of Hippo, show that the only time we really have to know God and do his will is in the present moment—what Thomas Kelly calls the “eternal now.” What is the value of concentrating our energies on the present moment instead of worrying about the future?
- If we aim to put God first, then “we simply cannot lose” (Sittser, p 39). We can have freedom, confidence, and security when we make decisions. Does this ring true in your experience? Do you think it is that simple?
(from The Will of God as a Way of Life: How to Make Every Decision with Peace and Confidence by Jerry Sittser [2004], p 245-6.)
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4 responses to “How Do I Know God’s Will?”
I’ve only been around for seventeen years but as short as my life has been I’ve had plenty time to mess up. From these mistakes I’ve learned three “life lessons”: Put 100% into everything you do, regardless of how mundane the task. Love. Don’t stress over things, it wastes too much time. That’s my past and present. For my future I believe God wants me to accomplish three main missions: Live Christ out daily. Educate myself so that I may one day be able to help those in my home country Haiti. Work in the international field. Using my past, present, and future I believe that God’s will has every potential of being fulfilled. But as the skit boys and Jerry Sittser strongly stress the present has the key to the future. Using the “life lessons” that I’ve learned, especially the no stress rule, I will be able to enjoy the life God has granted me no matter what His plan may be.
One would think that after so many references to focusing on the present the human race would finally get the message: “Enjoy the little things in life.” “Remember to stop and smell the roses.” “Slow and steady wins the race.” “Patience is a virtue.” Yet we choose to ignore. I have learned to stop ignoring and that living in the present is important. The future is a result of the present. Thus our lives are almost a domino effect. If we miss things in the present life we can’t possible prepare for the future. One choice leads to another. Therefore it would only make sense to enjoy and live in each moment. The past cannot be changed but the future can be and the only way is through the present.
Putting Christ first seems natural and simple, I mean after all he did give up his life in exchange for ours. But in my personal walk with Him I’ve realized that it’s one of the hardest things to do. Temptations such as worry and doubt cloud pour thoughts daily trying to skew us away from just living for Christ. It’s almost as if worrying was an addiction. But, as always, His word is always true. Whenever I let go of all my burdens and leave it up to Him everything turns out smoothly.
Growing up I have always had a strong faith and have trusted God with whatever decision I should and need to make. Yet as I get older and become more involved in the real world, I have noticed myself becoming more dependent on my opinions and wants instead of waiting to see where God’s plan will take me. It sometimes worries me that my faith may becoming weakened or isn’t strong enough to deal with the obstacles the world throws at me. Its hard for me not to worry about the future, although God has planned out my life pretty good so far. It becomes natural to worry about the test next week, what guy will come into my life, or even if my friends will have my back. Although I know I need not be afraid its like an reflex that I have possessed. I know that I should let go and let God take the reigns, but for me its just not that simple. Yet, I know if I delight myself in Him, he will give me the desires of my heart.
Over my life so far, I have learned that putting God first in my life and spending quality time with my family are very important things to me. I believe that God will slowly reviel his will to us and it is our job to be open to whatever he wants us to do and not to question it. Also we shouldn’t try to force what we want to do over what God wants us to. I have always had a desire to help others and that is why I believe I am led to the field of study that I am, but I am still willing to change according to what God has in plan for me. I beleive that God will present the present and future when he is ready for you to make decisions about your life so I do not believe that God is restricted to just the present or the future. Following him at all times can be very hard and there will be temptations along the way but I believe that God will take care of his children so in the very end, if you go to heaven, you have definately won. So if you truely follow God you cant really lose.