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Question 14.
How do I find God's will for my life?

Just as God created you as a unique individual, he has a unique plan for your life. Satan has done a good job of convincing some Christians that God's will for them is something awful--like marrying an ugly woman or going to Africa to eat bugs for a lifetime! Because of the devil's deception, we treat God's will like an invitation to a nerd party.

God's will is great! His will is what is best for us. If we find it and do it, we'll have God's best. He really will give you an abundant life.

God is also not trying to hide his will from you. He wants you to know it more than you do. He wants to give you direction for right decisions, like which college to attend, whom to marry, or what to do with your life.

God's will begins for you the moment you become a Christian. From then on you can expect God to reveal His will to you. When there is a problem in discovering God's will, it lies with us, not Him. Christians usually fall into one of three groups concerning God's will:

1. Christians who really do not want to know God's will.

2. Christians who want to know his will, but will follow it only if they like what they hear.

3. Christians who want to know God's will and are willing say "yes" before they know what it is.

What is your attitude toward God's will for your life? That is an important question. God will only reveal His will to those who are ready to follow it no matter what it is.

God's plan for you will always be in keeping with these basic principles:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3--God's will is that you be sexually pure.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18--God's will is that you thank and praise Him for everything.

• 1 Peter 2:15 -- God's will is for your life to be above reproach so that others will have no problem seeing Jesus in you.

• 1 Peter 4:19--God's will sometimes includes suffering. Hebrews 5:8 says that "Even though he (Jesus) was a Son, he learned obedience by the things he suffered." God knows suffering is how we also learn to be obedient and grow.

• 1 Corinthians 6:20--God's will is for you to draw attention to Him.

In Ephesians 5:18 Paul says, "Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Knowing and understanding God's will are not always the same. Understanding God's will comes only as we obey it. For example, a teen may look at that first principle and say, "Why should I stay sexually pure--everyone else is doing it? I don't understand why you say, Œno' God!" It will only be as that teen stays pure, that he will begin to understand why God says no to sex outside of marriage. So many times we say to God "When I understand your instructions, then I will follow them." God says, "Follow my instructions, and then you will understand."

Proverbs 3:5-6 has a promise for the Christian who wants to know God's will--but these three conditions must first be met:

1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

2. Do not lean on your own understanding.

3. In all your ways, acknowledge him.

Then comes the promise..."and He will direct your path." If you keep an attitude of trust and availability, God will show you each day what to do.

Here are some practical aids for determining God's will when you need to make a major decision:

• Consider your convictions. Does this decision agree with Biblically based convictions?

• Consider your circumstances. God will probably not lead you to be a professional singer if you're tone deaf.

• Seek the advice of Godly people. He can lead you through their counsel.

• Let the Scriptures be your guide. Do not take verses out of context. Search the scriptures wisely. Remember, God's will never contradicts his Word! If you are really serious about honoring and following God, He will show you what He wants you to do.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:3 It is God's will that you be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 PETER 2:15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

HEBREWS 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:20 You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

EPHESIANS 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.