ODJ: doing God’s will
April 27, 2013
READ: Romans 12:1-2
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (v.2).
The young missionary couple were 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 SatNav device. It’s most effective when the car is headed toward a destination and redirecting you when you make a wrong turn. —K.T. Sim
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?
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?