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God’s primary will for us is that we believe that Jesus died and rose again for the forgiveness of our sins. Once we believe, we become His child and live in fellowship with Him, where we learn to love and obey Him for His glory and our good. If we desire something that does not give God the glory and is not for our good, then it is not the will of God.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
His plan is for us to be with Him rather than trying to perform for His attention, affection, and pleasure. God is crazy about us! He loves us and wants us to spend the rest of our lives with Him on earth and in Heaven. No one can earn the love of God. It is a free gift that comes from God. God’s gift to the world is His Son that we need to accept so that we can have that relationship with Him forever!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
If we are friends with someone, the only way to strengthen the friendship is to spend time together. As a friend of God, we get to know Him through prayer and reading His word consistently. We talk with Him throughout the day as we would converse with our closest companion. It is through the Bible we learn the heart of God and basic life principles, including the dos and don’ts of life. When times get tough, He comforts us and directs us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Suffering is a part of life that God permits for our own growth. God will never leave us but will walk with us through good and challenging circumstances. It is often in the times of suffering that the world can witness the peace of a Christian because of her faith in a loving God.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)
God’s plan is rarely a straight and unobstructed path to our desired outcome. It requires of us a journey that may be filled with detours, sudden stops, confusing turns, u-turns and a few potholes. If our hearts are set to glorify and obey Him in all that we do, then we will be in the center of His will every step of the way.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
God’s will is that our lives reflect Him and not the world. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
God’s will can be difficult because it requires patience. By nature, we want to know the answers to our questions yesterday! Sometimes, it is good to enjoy the walk with our Lord and not always be thinking about something that needs to happen in a timely fashion. Slow down, be still, and know that God is way ahead of us. He is all-knowing and always has our best interest at heart.
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7).