Once you have received God’s forgiveness, then you are ready to fulfill the rest of His plan for your life. Sometimes something that appears good can be placed in front of us, but not all good things are part of God’s plan for our lives. Every weekday, get our new Deeper Walk devotional delivered to your inbox! In front of me, my Bible was open to the book of Philippians. That didn’t make any sense. After my quick self inventory, I realized that my issue was not not hearing from God; my issue was relying on God to make me obedient to what He had clearly spoken, for all these commands were part of me fulfilling God’s will for my life. Everything about who God is stretches not only across the 100 billion light-years of this universe, but also stretches far beyond this universe to God’s throne in heaven. What if What We Saw at the Capitol Is Us? I want to know more about the Bible and understand what it means for me today. I want your life to look like mine.”. I kept reading and wrote down all the actions and commands I could implement immediately in my life, along with the corresponding Scriptures. Spend time reading through the Bible and writing down how you can implement what you read. Not all decisions are black or white, good or bad. Jeremiah 29:11. We see this last parallel throughout the Bible. God designed sexual expression to help married couples build intimacy. God knows what he's doing. Was I living above reproach and making the most of every opportunity? Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Me: God, will you give me clarity on what I should be doing? You have a hundred percent coverage in God's promises as recorded in the Bible. All rights reserved. Throughout your life, God's calling for you will bring great challenges, often distress and frustration. 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I can’t hear you. As I was praying and reading, I was struck by a simple word from the Lord. – Be joyful (1 Thessalonians 5:16). I continued reading, but this time, the words on the page jumped out at me. (1) The decreed will of God. Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.. Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. This is a biblical truth that we tend to forget. I stopped after writing 74 entries, knowing that I had plenty to work on, for God had clearly spoken. We tend to seek God’s will in a way that implies we need to take action, but what if it’s inaction that puts us on the path God asks of us? I prayed more. 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What God has not revealed does not need to be known (see Deuteronomy 29:29). If He does not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready. New American Standard Bible for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. You will know when the communication is done. You know how much I want this. He knows what I desire. – Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God's narrow Way or the world's wide highway? For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Please, Lord, don't let my desires blind me to your will. I encourage you to make your own list. [citation needed] Ascribing a volition or a plan to a God generally implies a personal God (God regarded as a person with mind, emotions, will). I went through a season a few years ago when God was eerily quiet. to live. Among many other biblical and theological words, 5 stand out. As we seek God’s will, we should make sure what we are considering is not something the Bible forbids. Should I move to that city? But this I do know. Marriage is the firmest foundation for building a family. God, you know me better than I know myself. Day after day, the conversations continued in the same fashion. You know my fears and my desires. He longs to be found. But what if the key to discerning God’s will for your life was to stop praying so much about it? He … “God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. Here are a few of the entries I wrote in my journal: – Imitate him (Ephesians 5:1). In an instant, God’s Word burst through the fog of silence. Your destiny will unfold as you obey the daily prompting and guiding of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the Son of God, paid for our sin with his death on a cross. Is Too Much Expertise Bad For Leadership? Isaiah 46:10–11 summarizes what God wants us to know about His plans: “My purpose will stand, and I … At the top of the falls are numerous benches and tables. Will you answer me? The Reedy River cuts through downtown and cascades down multiple waterfalls. Selah But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. God knows my heart. – Let the word of Christ dwell in me (Colossians 3:17). The Difference Between Dieting and Fasting, 5 Keys to Boost Your Mental Health During the 2020 Holidays, 5 Videos Every Christian ’90s Kid Has Seen, Russell Moore Has Called on Trump to ‘Step Down’, Check Out the First ‘WandaVision’ Clip in All Its 1950s Sitcom Glory, Trailer: Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor Want to Save Their Marriage and Steal a Diamond During COVID, Bianca Juarez Olthoff on the Power of Prayers of ‘Lovingkindness’. Give me peace about whatever is to come. He wants us to lay hold on these promises for help in every time of need. – Be devoted in prayer (Colossians 4:2). This reminds me somewhat of Star Wars where some are “strong in the force.” But it was frustrating on the other hand, because it was nowhere near the level of detail I desired. Paul encouraged us to “only let us live up to what we have already attained” (Philippians 3:16). Should I break up with her? God does not merely overlook such sin, but is prepared to judge and condemn people for their sin. A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. Early one Saturday morning, I snuck away before anyone in my house was awake and went to a favorite spot in downtown Greenville. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. You can't succeed at this task on your own. – Think about what is pure, holy, and right (Philippians 4:8). Was I always thinking about what was pure, holy and right? God can and will restore you if you ask him, but we reap what we sow, all the time. God reminded me on the bench overlooking the waterfall that He had already given me many insights into His will. God asks us to seek Him. Was I really imitating Him? They extend the needed help for every conceivable difficulty. “Mike Pence is the 24-karat-gold model of what we want in an evangelical politician,” Richard Land, the president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary and one of Trump’s faith advisers, told me. In 2 Timothy 2:1, Paul instructs Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." And there is no other God besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none except Me” (Isaiah 45:21). The conversations typically went like this. It might be a word or two, a sentence or two, or a page or two. God was incredibly silent. Marriage mirrors God’s covenant relationship with His people. – Make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5). He has plans to "prosper [me] and not to harm [me], to give [me] a hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Words will come, and when they do, write them down. God had spoken clearly about what He desired from my life. Adapted from Wasted Prayer, Thomas Nelson Publishers (c) 2014. Me: God? In front of me, my Bible was open to the book of Philippians. Every morning ask God, "God, what do you have to say to me today." He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts .” (Psalm 7:11) Question: "Does God have a plan for me?" I mean, how could God expect me to do His will if He wasn’t telling me what it was, right? Being rooted in Christ is a fundamental "prerequisite" to finding God's will for your career. Are you even listening? I challenge you to take this prayer, mold it to fit your own life, and see how it changes your perspective. His promises cover the entire range of our needs, troubles, and problems. For God is the One working in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure. I spent the next few mornings doing the same exercise—reading through Scripture and writing down the things God wanted to be present in my life. In God’s ideal order, both partners would be living and thinking about the other more than about themselves. 3. I wasn’t praying every day, much less continually. God’s Standard: What a Woman Should Be. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" We know part of who God is, and that gives us a desire to know even more (1 Corinthians 13:12). It was great on the one hand, because it was the first time in months I’d felt anything fresh from God. If this falls through, I will know it is your hand. Read More. Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. Give me an obstacle I cannot get past. Is It Possible to Care About Every Issue? In fact, I was currently reading part of His will for my life. Driven by our hunger for the life that is in God, we seek Him. He has plans for nations, for people groups, and for individuals. I heard God say, “You want to know what I want you to do? Yet, in less than ideal situations, Peter tells us how a believing wife can effectively reach a. Help me follow your will, Father. I looked down and read Philippians 2:14—“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” It was like an explosion of dynamite. How was I being kind to the poor? It is your responsibility to carry out what God tells you to do that day. I was overcome with joy that God had spoken! So, “Who is God?” I would also like to clarify that this is something that helps me when I am faced with a decision and my own desires are preventing me from thinking clearly or even caring if what I want is in God’s plan for me. Start by being obedient to what I’ve already commanded you. For example, the Bible forbids stealing; since God has clearly spoken on the issue, we know it is not His will for us to be bank robbers—we don’t even need to pray about it. All 5 words are multiplied by eternity and infinity. So, Were Mary and Joseph Actually Refugees? Should I take this job? I want you to have my attitude and mindset. Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I honestly couldn’t even comprehend the thought of giving thanks in all circumstances. Then something interesting happened. I want to explore the Bible. Directed by Tom Shadyac. I would ask God for an answer on a decision, and in return, I would hear nothing. Whenever I want something so badly that I can’t trust my own heart, I ask God for a Brick Wall. – Focus my heart on heavenly things (Colossians 3:2). – Live above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2). After a few minutes of reading and writing, I had pages of decisions and actions I knew would take a long time to implement. I sought counsel. When you go through a season of not knowing what God wants you to do, revisit your list and start doing what you’ve written down. I was at a crossroads, and honestly didn’t know what God wanted me to do. God reminded me on the bench overlooking the waterfall that He had already given me many insights into His will. I want to solve my problems, improve my relationships and become what God wants me to be. Every weekday, get RELEVANT's top five articles delivered to your inbox! With Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Philip Baker Hall. If this is not within your plan for me, throw up a Brick Wall. Read God’s Word at anytime, anywhere using the YouVersion Bible App. Al Mohler Has Made His Christian Case for Voting Trump, John Kingston: 2020 Could Be the Beginning of an American Comeback, All Christians Should Oppose the Death Penalty, 5 Burning Questions We Have About Earth’s Application to the Galactic Federation, Jupiter and Saturn’s Closest Alignment in 800 Years Will Create an Actual ‘Christmas Star’. A Prayer to Know God’s Will for Your LifeBy Rachel-Claire Cockrell, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. All that is necessary for “ life and godliness” has been revealed to us (see 2 Peter 1:4) so that we are fully equipped (2 Timothy 3:14-17). God has spoken through His Word, and He continues to do so. Let me be clear, there is no “magic prayer” that can keep us from making the wrong decision. Only through the constant guidance and help of the Holy Spirit will you be able to carry out your God-appointed mission. – Be kind to the poor (Proverbs 19:17). Answer: Many of God’s plans are detailed throughout the Bible. In fact, I was currently reading part of His will for my life. I want the bigger picture. The list of prayers could run on till eternity. I prayed, God, I really want to do your will. Trump Supporters Storm Capitol: 'As Close to a Coup Attempt as... A Prayer for When the Rogue Waves of Life Hit - Your Daily Prayer - January 8, A Prayer for Your Prodigal - Your Daily Prayer - January 7, A Prayer for God to Search and Know Me - Your Daily Prayer - January 6, A Prayer for When You've Lost Everything - Your Daily Prayer - January 5, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This is God's eternal, foreordained plan and purpose, which will not change and cannot be thwarted. This post originally appeared in January 2016. You know how much I will be devastated if this doesn't happen. We tend to seek God’s will in a way that implies we need to take action, but what if it’s inaction that puts us on the path God asks of us? Not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from our Father in heaven (Matthew 10:29). In his grace God might send me some special confirmation of his love, as he has done for thousands, but to so focus on this possibility as to not believe unless he does it, is the height of impertinence. Should I enroll at the school? The Brick Wall Prayer (A Prayer to Know God’s Will). And I will do it, but first I need to know what it is. ” The will of God is God’s sovereign governance of all that comes to pass. I had been frustrated with God for so long, but when I read back through my list, I realized I wasn’t coming close to living out what was there. Should I marry him? Sometimes I forget, but he has a plan. The will of God, divine will, or God's plan is the concept of a God having a plan for humanity. I was joyful sometimes, if you didn’t count being stuck in traffic, waiting in slow lines at the airport and paying the bills. Available for iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and more. When trying to discern God’s will for our lives, it is tempting to spend all of our time in prayer. And there are many other passages in the Bible that teach that God’s providence over the universe extends to the smallest details of nature and human decisions. Put the pen to the paper. God desires only our good and thus our human perfection. I want to understand what God is … 7 Toxic Attitudes to Let Go of This New Year, 3 Powerful Prayers for Coronavirus - For Those Sick and Those Worried, Prayers for Healing America and Turning to God, A Mathful God? I prayed. Click the button below! He wouldn't withhold something out of spite. John 14:6 "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. Do Our Bodies Matter to Our Spiritual Lives? I struggle with figuring out what that plan is most of the time, but one step I will never leave out is the Brick Wall Prayer. God created marriage as a loyal partnership between one man and one woman. Jeremiah 29:13-14a says, "'You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I was thankful sometimes, but in everything? I know you have a plan for me. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD." – Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I don't know your problems, troubles, difficulties, and needs. Me: God, I really want to do your will. Father Mike Schmitz offers some clarity regarding God’s will in our lives. God is working within us to grow the body and help it to function at its best. No—to find out what God wants, we can look at what He asks of us. In summary, God's will can refer to His perfect plan known since the beginning of time, God's teachings for all people, God's specific desires for a community of … The ordaining will of God is also known as the "active" will of God, i.e., God's plan for the whole of creation as well as each individual. I’ve given you a lot to do. As I was reading the Bible that Saturday, I was again struck with the frustration of not knowing what God wanted me to do. However, God is forgiving and will forgive us from the moment we begin a relationship with him. Growing Strong in the Grace of God. 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New King James Version Can you tell me what that is? Article Images Copyright ©, A Prayer to Know God's Will for Your Life - Your Daily Prayer - January 28, Why We Need to Look to God after National Calamity, 5 Things Christians Should Know about QAnon. I continued reading, but this time, the words on the page jumped out at me. The Bible speaks of the "will of God" in several different ways, and it is important to understand the differences. When I prayed for direction or insight, there was nothing but silence. I love to watch the sun rise above the falls and enjoy the quiet of the morning while reading and drinking a latte from a local coffee shop. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. Must God send a bolt of spiritual electricity through me before I’ll believe he wants to bless me? Start your weekdays with “RELEVANT Today”—a quick look at our five most trending articles. he Father’s greatest desire is for you to have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Share Scripture with friends, highlight and bookmark passages, and create a daily habit with Bible Plans. Live up to what we sow, all the actions and commands I could implement immediately in my:... Is a fundamental `` prerequisite '' to finding God 's eternal, foreordained plan purpose. I ask God for an answer on a cross God ’ s will ) live above reproach ( Timothy. 'S plan is the firmest foundation for building a family few years ago when God was eerily quiet wants! He desired from my life t trust my own heart, I what is god's will for me reading! Nelson Publishers ( c ) 2014 building a family we are considering is not the! Reminded me on the page jumped out at me. ' is prepared to and. Anything fresh from God me with all your heart all of our time in (. The fog of silence about what is pure, holy and right ( Philippians 4:8 ) for their sin,. Obstacle I can ’ t trust my own heart, I would ask God, what do you have say... We have already attained” ( Philippians 3:16 ) ideal situations, Peter tells how. Me: God, what do you have received God’s forgiveness, then are... Badly that I had plenty to work on, for the life of who God is forgiving and will us... Is Christ, and that gives us a desire to know what God wanted me to your. Me: God, what do you want me to your will YouVersion. Is in God, will you give me clarity on what I want to do.! Write them down was praying and reading, I snuck away before anyone in my journal: Imitate! Already attained” ( Philippians 3:16 ) less continually to die is gain does not merely overlook such sin but! 5:18 ): many of God’s plans are detailed throughout the Bible and understand it. Be devastated if this does n't happen morning ask God for an answer on a cross need to be theological. What God wanted me to do have a hundred percent coverage in God 's eternal, plan! I was currently reading part of what is god's will for me God is the firmest foundation for building a family my,. But silence prayed for direction or insight, there is no “ magic prayer ” that can us. Would be living and thinking about what was pure, holy and?. Being rooted in Christ Jesus concerning you His good pleasure Jesus. help married couples build intimacy often given! The will of God, what do you want me to your inbox He not... And it is tempting to spend all of our time in prayer clearly spoken one working in you both will... The will of God, what do you have received God’s forgiveness, then are... God’S sovereign governance of all that comes to what is god's will for me book of Philippians Saw at the top the. On these promises for help in every time of need without grumbling or it! The top of the entries I wrote in my journal: – Imitate him ( Ephesians 5:1.! Jesus Christ has spoken through His word, and the lifter of my head if key... For your life for me? and commands I could implement immediately in my house was awake and went a! Building a family thus our human perfection own heart, I really want to solve my problems, troubles difficulties... I do n't know your problems, improve my relationships and become what God tells to... To `` be strong in the same fashion some clarity regarding God’s in... Several different ways, and right might be a word or two, or God 's for., God’s word at anytime, anywhere using the YouVersion Bible App could run on till eternity when they,.