God’s Will and Discernment

Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  II Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  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.

There are so many decisions we have  to make, and there are many things that we desire to do.  Sometimes its hard to discern God’s will for our lives.  In the past, what made it hard for me to discern God’s will was because I was anxious for situations to change in my life and/or I wanted what I wanted in a certain time period.—right away.  There have been times when I have been praying about what I desired, and the Lord allowed my request to be answered, but it caused lack of spirituality in my life.  Psalms 106:15 says “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”  For sure, in any situation, I don’t need leanness in my soul.  We are to read/study God’s word on a daily basis (II Timothy 2:15), and always have an attitude of prayer and/or pray without ceasing.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.  Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ concerning you.”  In circumstances when I am not sure what the Lord has for me, I am learning to pray “Lord if what I am requesting is Your will for me, please open the door.  On the other hand, if I am desiring or requesting what is not Your will for me, please close the door.”  That’s so much better than praying amiss.  

In order for us to know God’s will for us, we must first have a personal relationship with God by inviting Jesus Christ into our lives (Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16).. When a person gets saved (be forgiven of his/her sins), that person receives the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13)  – who guides and leads him/her – directs his/her path.  I am so glad that once saved always saved!  Ephesians 4:29-30 says “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”  After we have invited Jesus Christ into our lives, we have to cultivate our fellowship with Him.  We must seek to know Him more and more and not just know about Him. We have to spend time with Him in the Word and in prayer (II Timothy 2:15).  When we consistently seek these disciplines in our lives, God’s will/purpose will begin to be revealed to us (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for saving me, and for promising that you will never  leave or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Please give me discernment/wisdom concerning your will for me.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

(by Marsha Williams)