Knowing God's Will For Your Life

Through the years I've heard many Christians say something like, "I wish I knew God's will for my life."   Since much of my life has been spent around those of a traditional college age, I'd often hear things like:

• I wish I knew what God wanted me to major in college.
• I wish I knew what kind of job God wanted me to do.
• Where does God want me to live?
• I have two job offers, I wish I knew which one God wanted me to take.

And the list goes on & on.

I too once said those types of things.  I felt trapped.  I felt alone.  I felt like my life was going nowhere.  It felt as if I was in such an unpleasant situation because I wasn't somehow following God's will for my life.  "If only I could know God's will for my life, then I would follow it and have a better life," I said.

The problem with that line of thinking is that my Christian priorities were in the wrong place.   I should have been more interested in thanking God for what I have, praising God for Who He Is, and worshiping God in a manner for which He is worthy.  In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells us not to worry about things such as what to wear, what to eat - and likewise, where to work or what to major in - but to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added to you."  (Matt 6:33)

I was more like a little kid in the grocery store yelling, "when are we going to McDonald's."  I should have been enjoying the fact that I was in the presence of a parent who loves me and is providing for my needs at that very moment and in the future.

Furthermore, would we really want to know what God has in store for our lives?   Think about it.  There have been countless Christian martyrs (many in this age).  I wonder how they would have lived their lives if they knew shortly after becoming a Christian that they would years later be beaten to death with rocks or clubs, or shot, or hanged, or beheaded, or ripped apart by wild beasts.   I know it would've disturb me.

So, how do we answer this burning question in our lives about what we should do to live God's will?  I don't think we should expect a burning bush moment like Moses encountered.  Anyone who has read through - not isolated verses here & there, read through - their Bibles would have come across the answer.  First Thessalonians 5:14 - 22:

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one renders for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies.  Test all things; hold fast to what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil."  (NKJV, emphasis mine)

I should focus on those things.  That is more than enough to keep me busy.  We should all do that.   Let's not worry about where we should go to school, what we should major in, where we should work, and other specific details that really don't matter so much in the grand scheme of things.  Sure those things are important, but they're not worth driving ourselves to high anxiety.  We don't have to worry all that much about which one is in God's will for our lives.

First and foremost, worship God.  Praise Him for Who He Is and what He's done.  Read through the Bible.  His will for each and every one of us is given within.

Amazing Photos of Nathan, Miscarried at 14 Weeks, Show Unborn Baby’s Humanity

Lovely story about God's creation, grace, and a peace that passes all understanding.

Amazing Photos of Nathan, Miscarried at 14 Weeks, Show Unborn Baby’s Humanity

The Help Was Welcomed - But Not Needed

Many years ago I was giving the lawn mower a tune-up for the newly arrived mowing season.  It doesn't take much effort to change the oil, replace the spark plug, clean the air filter, and check nuts & bolts all around.  Altogether it requires less than an hour's work.  It's really an easy task unless there's something broken on the mower.

This one spring afternoon a boy came to me and ask if he could help.  He lived a couple of doors down the street and was about seven years old.  He was a nice boy who lived with his mother and older sister.  I really did not need his help with tuning the mower, but he had a eager look in his eyes and smiled with anticipation after he finished asking.

I asked him if he knew how to use a wrench and he said, "Yep!"   I would break the oil plug bolt loose and let him finish removing it to drain the oil.  I'd thread the bolt and let him finish tightening it with his fingers.  I did the same with the spark plug.  I removed the air filter and let him wash it out with soap & water.  He was anxious to put it back together and add the fresh motor oil.  When I started the mower he had the biggest smile on his face and he jumped with joy.

With his help it probably took twice as long as if I had done the job myself, but he seemed to have fun helping.  More importantly I learned an important lesson.

I learned that sometimes it's more important to have others help even when their help is not necessary.  There are several reasons for this:

1.)  It shows an act of kindness to both parties.
2.)  It can teach a person a new skills or interests.
3.)  It teaches humility.
4.)  It can be fun to have others help.
5.)  It teaches us a bit about God.

It teaches us a bit about God in that He asks us to do so many things that He could do Himself.  He wants us to help.  He does not need us to help.  He wants us to help spread the gospel.  In doing so we learn about God's love and mercy.  We also realize more & more about God's holiness and justice.

So, to answer many non-Christians question about why doesn't God just show Himself to the world?  Well, He did - Jesus.   Nowadays He wants us to help.  In doing so we learn so much and fall more & more in love with the one who loves us most.  It's also an act of love on our part to tell others of the truth pertaining to God.

I don't remember this boy's name.  I hope he turned out to be a good man.  I hope he remembers the time when the old guy down the road let him help with the lawn mower.