Understanding God’s Will.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

There are days when I wonder why I am where I am. Frankly, I’m just confused. The input doesn’t match the output. It’s not uncommon. When we look in the Bible, I’m sure Joseph had moments of wondering how after being faithful to God, he would up in slavery and then in jail. Did Esther really think becoming queen would result in taking some serious risks to save the lives of her people?

Most of us, and some point or another, have questioned our circumstances. It is difficult to face our journeys with dignity and grace when we block ourselves from seeing what God is trying to show us. It’s also challenging when we encounter circumstances that are out of our control. No matter the situation, we are responsible for our response. We are warned in Jeremiah 17:5, “Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.”

So where is your heart?

Flourishing in this journey requires us to understand God’s will, which isn’t as complicated or mysterious as some would have you to believe. God’s will is our submittal to the way He would have us live our lives. It’s the external display of our inward commitment. First Thessalonians 5:16-22 gives us practical instruction by saying:

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 what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

It is misleading when God’s will is used as the rationale to life’s trials. Sin, although not meant to be a part of this world, exists, and because of it, suffering does as well. I understand, however, that our hearts can feel broken when God chooses not to intervene by stopping our suffering. Nevertheless, what God allows to happen or not happen is a reminder to us that we live in a world of choice, and that includes God’s. We should respect His decisions and His authority. Remember, choice is how we got here, and choice determines where we go.

Facing the Outcomes

I cannot pretend to always understand the outcomes. God’s rationale is beyond my thinking, and it should be. He is God. I am human. His ways are not my ways, nor His thoughts my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). And yet we still search for answers to explain life’s complications. Sometimes, it’s beneficial. Our relationship with Christ grows deeper as we learn more about ourselves and Him. We may discover new solutions that help us get through life. Other times, we turn to away from God and to alternative methods in places and spaces where God does not exist. Our need for control and answers can consume us. Remember, even if we think we can control the variables, only God can control the outcomes.

The unexpected will happen and what seems guaranteed falls apart. God may use circumstances to teach us lessons. He may allow our journey to extend further than we would like to strengthen our faith but He takes no pleasure in our suffering. He may choose to intervene, He may choose to not do so, but no matter what, we are accountable to God for our actions. No matter the circumstances, we must keep our hearts connected to His.

My reality

I have often prayed to God, asking Him whether I should go left or right. When it seems as though I have received no answer, I’ve become frustrated. Why can’t God just tell me His will? Well, He already has. His will is for me to live a life that is accordance with the character of Christ so that I can take part in His plan to end suffering through salvation. This means we don’t need to know the end… we just need to know God, and by knowing Him, we can truly say, we are at peace in His will.