The young missionary couple was confused. Certain that God had called them to serve in a specific mission field, they shared their calling with the church leadership. They then received conflicting counsel. One group affirmed their call. Another group redirected them to go to a safer country. The couple brought their conflicted situation to the Lord. After much prayer, they headed to the country God had originally placed on their hearts to begin their mission work. Because they were committed to obey His Word, they quickly found themselves doing His will.
Paul says we must first surrender ourselves to the Lord to know God’s will and then reject worldly thinking and see things from an eternal perspective (Romans 12:1-2). God’s Word, not our own wisdom, must dictate how we think and direct how we live. Only then will we be able to discern God’s will.
Romans 12:1-2 says that you will find yourself in God’s will if you surrender to Jesus’ lead and seek to do what pleases Him. Jesus said that whoever wants to know God’s will must first want to do His will (John 7:17). Our obedience comes first. Then God reveals the next step to us while we’re doing what He has called us to do (Deuteronomy 29:29).
One Bible teacher likens this to a car with the engine already started and ready to roll. It’s certainly easier to move the car to the next destination when the engine is already running and the driver is at the wheel. To follow God’s will is also like using a GPS device. It’s most effective when the car is headed toward a destination and redirecting you when you make a wrong turn.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 22:1–23:3
More:
How does God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-11,105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) and prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) help you discern God’s will for your life?
Next:
As you strive to discern God’s will, why is it vital that you first do what He’s calling you to do? (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 7:17). How have you been following His will lately?
daisymarygoldr on May 29, 2013 at 1:58 am
You are right; to know God’s will we must be willing to first present our bodies a living sacrifice, not be conformed to this world, and be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Going on mission trips without discerning the will of God, is to place the cart before the horse. Or to use your example, it is like driving the car without having the engine started. Many occupied in doing mighty ministry works will claim they are doing God’s will but will not be recognized by the Lord (Matthew 7:22-23)
The person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. (1 Corinthians 8:3). And all those who love Him will do what He says (John 14:23). Our love for God is expressed in our obedience. Jesus said, “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:35. And the family members of Jesus “hear God’s word and obey it.” Luke 8:21
Our fallen human nature does not want to do God’s will. Even the Son of Man agonized much about doing God’s will and prayed “if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.” By obedience we are submitting our will to God’s, allowing Him to accomplish His will in and through our lives.