I subscribe to a magazine that promotes simplicity. The editors adore articles on no-fuss solutions for household problems, relationship snags, and fashion conundrums. For example, one issue featured 799 new uses for items you already own, while another presented tasty meals made from just three ingredients.
In some cases, understanding God’s will for our lives comes down to one simple word: obedience. Abram (later called Abraham) obeyed when God told him to leave his native land and settle somewhere new (Genesis 12:1). Although he was 75 years old, and although he knew the journey would be challenging, “Abram departed as the LORD had instructed” (Genesis 12:4). He simply obeyed. It might have been tempting for the patriarch to question God’s will in this situation. He could have wondered if he had truly heard from God. Perhaps he considered polling his friends for their opinion on the big move.
Occasionally, we all find ourselves wondering what God wants us to do in certain situations. Sometimes the answer is complex; other times it’s as simple as obeying God’s instructions. For example, we know God wants us to be:
• Morally pure—“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
• Grateful in every situation—“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• Examples of holiness—“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those . . . who [foolishly accuse] you” (1 Peter 2:15).
Many of the decisions we face in life have elements of obedience embedded in them. Today, if you’re wondering what to do in a given situation, consider this question: How can I simply obey God and His Word?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Deuteronomy 30:1-20
More:
Read 1 John 2:17 to see the value in discovering and following God’s will. Look up Romans 12:2 to learn how God’s will relates to the influences of the world.
Next:
How might our emotions confuse us about what God wants us to do? What should we do when we realize that God’s will for our lives differs from our own will or desire?
Gary Shultz on February 24, 2014 at 5:53 am
I agree, I think God designed life simply and yet wonderful. We get way too “stuffed” out.
Tom Felten on February 24, 2014 at 10:08 am
Good thoughts, Jennifer. Jesus also revealed that obedience reveals our love for Him: “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them” (John 14:21).
Roxanne Robbins on February 24, 2014 at 10:22 am
Yes, when life gets cluttered with decisions and business it’s easy to forget even the most basic instructions from the Lord, such as giving thanks in all circumstances. Thanks for the reminder, Jennifer, to apply Scripture to our situations.
Mike Wittmer on February 27, 2014 at 1:28 pm
This is so wise, and liberating! Sometimes we make life’s decisions more complicated than they have to be.
Winn Collier on March 4, 2014 at 8:52 am
“obedience” has come to have a freeing sound to me, unlike ways I used to hear the word.