When approaching life-changing situations I often ask “what is God’s will?”

What do I do here? When I find a fork in the road and I can’t just “take it” like the great Yogi Berra suggested… what is His plan? This will almost always pertain to the non-scheduled portions of our life and when we’re approaching two different options that don’t differ in moral equivalencies.

Asking these questions has pushed me to see what the Bible has to say about this issue. And what I found was fascinating. It was so multifaceted that it surprised me.

God straight up spells His Will out for us.

I always assumed that the Bible could specifically give me an answer for any given situation.

And I was both right and wrong.

I was right because God does actually specifically give us answers that apply in any given situation. He absolutely does.

I was wrong because God doesn’t tell us which job offer to take, who to marry, which city to move to, where to give your money, etc.

See, I discovered I often used the Bible as a sort of search engine, an ancient Google. And I often wanted the immediate answer, the immediate antidote, the immediate truth. It needed to be pointed and I truly preferred not to ponder or chew on what I read. No speculation or effort needed. I wanted it to be black and white. 

Here’s how God talks about His Will…

Command…                                                    

Ephesians 5:17
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Result…

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

What is it?

I Thessalonians 5:8
“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I Peter 2:15
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality;”

John 6:40
“For this is the will of God, that every one who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

1 Thes 5:16-18
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

It’s Perfect

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

He’s in charge and on our side, Christian…

Romans 8:27
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 1:10
“…in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.”

1 Peter 4:19
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

I also know that Hebrews tells us that we can’t please God unless we have faith in Him. He rewards those who seek Him.

The reality is that the Bible does not tell me which job to take, what city to move to, who to date, who to befriend, what charities to give money to, etc. The Bible gives us far more depth than that.

Wisdom. What the Bible brings us is wisdom. Through narratives and stories of people’s lives, through the various books known as wisdom literature and even in commands.

For instance, the Bible does not tell me which job offer to take. However, it does tell me what kind of boss I should want to work for and be. How I should use and view money and success. How to treat people who are both like me and unlike me.

I am thankful that I don’t get to just google “God’s will for Jamie Wilder concerning  ________.”

His Will is far more than “take this job and make sure you keep this company.” The will of God is in His commands, in His words. The will of God is to believe and have faith in Him. To be sanctified. To make disciples of all nations. To enjoy Him and love my neighbors. It’s not something ethereal or “out there” but it’s applicable right now and no matter where we are.

Have faith and follow Him and you are “in His will.” His Will isn’t actuated in a specific location it TRANSCENDS the specific situations.

And Praise God for that.

– JW

PS How cool is it that we worship a God who’s will involves us rejoicing like in 1 Thes 5?

Some quotes by people who know more than me on God’s Will..

“Doing the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.”
― George MacDonald

“I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame, and I choose it above all things on Earth or in Heaven.”
― AW Tozer

“Your call will become clear as as your mind is transformed by the reading of Scripture and the internal work of God’s Spirit. The Lord never hides His will from us. In time, as you obey the call first to follow, your destiny will unfold before you. The difficulty will lie in keeping other concerns from diverting your attention.”
― Charles Swindoll