How do I know God’s will for my life?
What a wonderful question. All of humanity innately questions existence, purpose and fulfillment. Perhaps the non-believer would ask, simply, ?What?s my purpose??, leaving God out of the equation. It?s a question most of us want the answer to with total certainty.
In the United States, opportunities and possibilities are endless. We ask ourselves these kinds of questions, ?Do I go into full time ministry? Do I become a mailman or construction worker? Do I start my own business and do ministry on the side? Do I follow my dream of becoming a screenwriter?? After all the questions, we kind of just default to, ?God, please tell me what You want me to do. Just don?t make me figure it out for myself. Anything but that Lord.? Now I?m attempting to be a little humorous here, though, because I know I?ve wished this at times. Maybe you have too?
Do I start my own business and do ministry on the side? Do I follow my dream of becoming a screenwriter?
What if we?re simply over complicating life? In all honesty, if you?re anything like me, I?m guilty of over complicating things occasionally. Unconsciously, I think it?s up to me to figure out every detail of my life?s direction and that God plays a smaller role in that process. Thankfully, the exact opposite is true. Throughout scripture we read about a God who leads His people in the way they are to go. He is faithful and His guidance is perfect.
What if life boiled down to these 5 simple biblical references?
Matthew 22:36-40 ? ?Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?? Jesus said to him, ??You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.? This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like it: ?You shall love your neighbor as yourself.?On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.?
Love God. Love people. With every ounce of energy we?ve got ? simply love.
Matthew 6:33 ? ?But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.?
Seek out His kingdom and righteousness. He?ll take care of the provision ? food, clothes, shelter, etc.
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 shall direct your paths.?
Trust that He is a good Father. Rest in the fact that He created the universe. When things looks to be at there worst, pause and trust in His sovereignty. He is well able to lead us in the path custom designed for each of His children. He won?t let us down. He is always faithful and will never forsake us.
Psalm 37:4 ? ?Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.?
Look at this promise. If we enjoy Him, He will make our dreams, hopes and desires come true. That sounds like an amazing deal!
Mark 16:15 ? ?And He said to them, ?Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.??
We get to approach life in whatever way He?s called each of us and tell people the good news of Jesus Christ. This idea of ?preaching? might intimidate some of us. Maybe start by preaching the gospel to houseplants, dogs or cats? Jesus did say ?every creature,? so start small if need be. Simply go and tell about the hope within!
Hopefully this has relieved some of the anxiety that goes along with the pressing need to immediately figure out God?s will for your entire life. Remember to keep it simple.
Love. Seek. Trust. Delight. Go.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.