God’s Will

The Dot

When you think of God’s will, what do you think of?

Is God’s will like finding “the dot” among many dots?

The Problem

What if you make the wrong choice? Does that throw off God’s plans?

How can you know if you made the right choice?

The Truth

You can see why Christians get so worked up over finding God’s will! I mean, who wants to mess up His master plan? But it makes me wonder: Can you mess up God’s grand design? This is the Almighty we’re talking about! The all-knowing and all-powerful God. Can any one human really throw a monkey wrench into the divine tapestry? Let’s see what the Bible says:

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11)What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isaiah 46:11)In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭11)

So it’s clear that God’s plans can’t be messed up. But that opens up a whole new set of questions. Does this mean that when I mess up, it was all according to plan? That doesn’t sound right either. It’s as if God made me mess up. Or that no matter what I do, it’s exactly what He scripted to happen. What about when I sin? Now that’s a problem! So maybe we need a little more clarity on what “God’s will” actually is:

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable. (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭3-4‬)Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16-18‬)

Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Wait, God’s will is just for me to be good? That’s it?! But that’s no fun! Where’s the mystery? The excitement? I want a special plan that’s just for me and no one else! (Sounds a little egotistical if you ask me.)

We need to make an important distinction that many people miss. The Bible talks about God’s will in two different ways. First is His moral desires, for us to be holy and righteous. Second is His master plan which will unquestionably come to pass, but which God is under no obligation to share with us. But don’t worry, we already know how the story ends: God wins.

Application

When it comes to our decisions in life, how God wants us to live, we need to think about God’s will as less of a “dot” and more of a bubble.

What is the bubble? Beliefs, character, mission.

As long as we are living within the bubble of Godly beliefs, character, and life mission, there’s freedom to choose who to marry, what career to pursue, and other big and small decisions.

So here are some guidelines for how to make decisions:

The Quick-Reference Guide to Making Godly Decisions

• Desires. What does the person really want to do? How long has she wanted to do it? Is it just a sudden impulse or a deep, long-simmering desire?

• Gifts and abilities. Does the teen show aptitude for this path? In relationship decisions, what effect do the two people have on each other?

• The Scriptures. Does the Bible speak directly to the choice? If not, are there biblical principles that apply?

• Wise input. What is the considered opinion of mature people who know the teen and have experience in guiding young people toward God’s will?

• Opportunity. Is a door open, or does the teen long to do something that simply isn’t possible? For instance, a teen may want to be a PhD-level scientist, but if she scored very low on her SAT and can’t get into college, that dream may have to be relinquished. Or she may think being a professional musician would be exciting, but if she lacks talent, she will need to find another career choice.

• The Spirit’s nudge. When the teen prays and seeks God’s wisdom, what is the sense she has about God’s leading? We must be careful here. Some of us mistake our desire for God’s Spirit, or in relationships we may confuse aroused endorphins for God’s stamp of approval.

SGL Questions

1) Have you ever worried about making the perfect decision that God would approve of (even about little things)?

2) How would you explain God’s will to a friend?

3) Read Romans 12:1-2 again. How do you know what the will of God is? 4) Review the 6 guidelines for Godly decision-making, what do you need to focus on more? What are you already focusing on?

5) What is one step you can take to make more Godly decisions about your future?