There are those who lay claim to a special knowledge of God’s Will. There are those who are blessed with inspired revelation and insight. God speaks to various people at various times in various ways to reveal Himself, and still His own Purpose and Intent may be unclear. Even the Prophets were sometimes uncertain about the message they delivered although they did so without reservation. Yet there are many who seriously and earnestly seek to understand His Will and His Way. How do we discover God’s Will?
We get to know God’s Will by committing ourselves to Him. The Christian journey is like walking down a narrow road which winds and twists and has no outlet. There is no certainty where the road will lead, but as the traveler continues on his way, he makes fresh discoveries every day. First, there are signposts along the way. The signposts are Prayer, the Bible, and the testimony of saints who have been that way. Most important, there is a guide, the Holy Spirit.
“He will teach you all things, and bring things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26 KJV)
If we are in tune with His Spirit, we shall be led by that Spirit, and we eventually discover the deep meaning of Paul’s observation.
“And we know that in all things God work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His Purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Finally, what about acceptance of God’s Will? The dedicated person will submit himself/herself as far as possible to understanding and doing God’s Will, but there are many times when we are so confused as to His Purpose and Intent that we find it hard to accept His way.
Consider the expressions of Mary and Martha to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21 (NIV).
Now consider the remarks of Jesus to his disciples a few days before, “This sickness will not end in death. No it is for God’s Glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 (NIV)
God’s Way is not our way, but we need to be ready to accept His Will. If we accept His Will, the final outcome will be better than anything we could have dreamed. Many years ago, a wise Professor at Rust College said to me, “Where God guides, He provides”. I have discovered that God not only provides protection from hurt, harm, danger, and evil if one follows His Will, but He also provides more understanding, more faith, more hope, more strength to keep on even when we don’t always understand. Lord, I don’t pretend to understand all that takes place in my life, but since you are in charge, believe I’ll run on and see what the end will be.
