Understanding God's WillSample

On day 1 of this plan, we saw what God's will is for our lives. We saw how God is much more concerned about our long-term character than our short-term happiness. His will for our lives is for us to become more Christ-like, and as long as we're seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other things will fall into place.

Let's say you're there let's say you've made God your number one priority, you've been seeking Him wholeheartedly, and you've surrendered your life and will to Him.

What happens then?

Well, you may still want to know God's will for you in specific situations in your life, like your job, work, studies, or relationships. You may be waiting for guidance, a whisper, a sign, or some direction from Him.

Sometimes we'll get it, sometimes we won't.

What do you do when you're not hearing anything from Him? You do what the apostles did.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the Gospel to them. - Acts 16:6-10

There was Paul the apostle, who definitely was seeking God first, and if anyone needed guidance at this point, it was him; because he was on this great mission to tell the world about Jesus.

So here's what he did. He said, 'Let's go to this place called Bithynia to preach the gospel,' and the Holy Spirit says no. So he says, 'Okay, let's go to this province called Asia,' and when he gets there, the Holy Spirit says no again. (How exactly? We don't know. But the point is there was a clear obstacle that prevented Paul from going to these places)

So he heads towards the sea to the city of Troas.

Image by biblestudy.org

Now, isn't that an interesting method of guidance? He would not have been guided if he had not been on the move.

Paul didn't just sit in Galatia and wait for the Holy Spirit to give him specific instructions. He just said, 'Let's do this, let's get on with the job, let's try this and see what happens,' and in that, the Holy Spirit guided him.

And when he could go no further, he had a dream of exactly what he had to do, and now he was in the right place where he could get it done.

We are guided better when we're on the move - when we continue to do the job that is at hand.

The preacher David Pawson puts it this way, 'You can always steer a car more easily when it is moving than when it is stationary.'

What do you do when you're confused about what God's will is for your life? When you don't know where He wants you to go?

Well, first, seek Him. Pray and spend time with Him. Get others to pray for you, seek counsel, and get to know His will from His Word...

...and then get on with something. Just do it.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you while you are on the move. Don't just sit there and wait. Pray and start now. If you've been waiting for a sign; maybe this is it. Move and trust God, and He will establish your steps.