But how much does the Bible really talk about us 'waiting' on His will.
For example, Paul on his 2nd missionary journey in Acts 16 seems to more just forge a path, and if God doesn't open doors... then he tries else where.
There is far more in the Bible about God's revealed will... yet thats not such a hot topic. But we qualify ourselves for the specifics by following the general I believe.
So what is God's revealed will for all of us? I believe that there are 4 things that God wills of each of us:
1) To be sanctified (ie. that we live according to God's standard... esp sexually).
Check out 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 & 1 Peter 2:15.
2) To be joyful always through continual prayer and thanksgiving.
Check out 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
3) That we be (daily) filled with the Holy Spirit.
Check out Ephesians 5:17 - 18
4) That all are saved (and therefore that I invest my life in sharing Jesus with others).
Check out Matthew 18:14 & 2 Peter 3:9
I have by no means made a comprehensive study on God's will... but I think what I have looked at thus far is worth thinking about.
Some questions for you to ponder:
- How often in your life has God directly revealed to you what 'step' you must take next? (what could that mean in the light of our discussion?)
- Do you think that God wants to lead your every step, or should we be taking initiative and looking for God's guidance as we move?
- What Biblical evidence do you have to support your thoughts?
- Why do you think that God chose these 4 things to be such a high priority for each of our lives?
- Aren't these 4 our biggest struggles generally?
Posts
1 comment:
Ahh this is a good topic! Reading your blog the first thing that pops into mind is Hebrews 11. These 'champions of the faith' were all called by God it is true but the thing that people often fail to notice is that they were called through an unknown path to reach a destination.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, NOT KNOWING WHERE HE WAS GOING.
This to me is one of the keys about walking in Christ - having the faith to believe that we are called to serve Him and, in spite of our lack of awareness of the path, going. One of the greatest compliments I have received was this: "A year ago you didn't know where you were going or what you were doing - you were lost. Now you still don't really know where your going but the difference is you are going anyway."
I have found that waiting on God's call is often an excuse to do nothing and avoid commitment. I have learnt to make a decision with Godly advice, apply the faith test, and then step forward and commit to it - I soon find out if it was the right choice and learn heaps in the process!
(I wonder how often we miss what we are called to while waiting to 'hear' from God... maybe our ears need tuning...)
luv ya
Post a Comment