Forget God's Will for Your Life

Great... Another big decision. What should I do? How do I know what God's Will is for my life? Should I move? Take this new job? Parent this way or that way?

Like me, I'm sure you have asked these questions. I used to get so stressed about making the wrong choice and being outside of God's Will. However, during my current study, the Holy Spirit is teaching me that this way of thinking simply isn't true.

I think a lot of us need to forget about God's Will for our life. God cares more about our responses to His Spirit's leading today, in the moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the Spirit right now, in today's decisions.  It's easy to use the phrase "God's will for my life" as an excuse for inaction or even disobedience. It's much less demanding to think about God's will for your future than it is to ask Him what He wants you to do in the next 10 minutes.  (Francis Chan, Forgotten God)

This study has revealed so much clarity on how the Holy Spirit guides me in everyday decisions that I felt compelled to share it with you. The big decisions in life don't scare me anymore because it's not about the big decisions at all! It's about being faithful in the little daily decisions that are preparing me for the future.

The Holy Spirit preaches to me everyday as I seek his counsel through scripture. As a guide, here are 4 ways I use to make sure I'm continually walking in God's will.  They are found in 1 Thessalonians, chapters 4 and 5.

1. Am I sanctified? Being sanctified means to be set apart. So in a sense, do I look different than the world? Am I more patient? Self-controlled? More loving? 
2. Am I smiling?  Can people tell that the joy of the Lord is my strength even when circumstances are tough. 
3. Am I praying? Praying expectantly and waiting for Him to answer brings joy to the heart of the Father. He loves us and wants to give us good gifts. Talking with him daily will bring peace to any situation and give you confidence to believe His promises.  
4. Am I thankful? Do I give thanks in all circumstances? When times are tough, do I thank Him for building perseverance and adding wisdom in my life? Gratitude is the defining characteristic of being a Christ-follower. It all started with the cross and that thankfulness should carry throughout every aspect of our lives! 

As you continue your walk with the Lord, forget about asking the question "is this God's will for my life" and embrace His will for your day. Then you will know that whatever you do will succeed and bring Him glory. 

Until the whole world hears, 

Emily