“Visions, Voices & Choices…Knowing the Will of God”
Almost everyone has a favorite bible story. When you think of all the bible stories you know…there is probably more than one that deals with the topic: “What is the will of God?” The big question of course, is this one: What's God's will for my life?
It is a question individual Christians often ask. What is God’s will for me? How do I make good decisions? What does God really want from me? Does God care about every little choice I make?
It’s a good question: So "How can you and I know God's will for my life? What does the Bible say about knowing God's will?"
At its most basic, the will of God is to repent of our sin and trust in Christ. If we have not taken that first step, then we have not yet accepted God’s will. But that is logical.
Knowing God’s will is sometimes difficult because it requires patience. Well, we know that too. It’s natural to want to know all of God’s will at once, but that’s not how He usually works. He reveals to us a step at a time—each move a step of faith—and allows us to continue to trust Him. The important thing is that, as we wait for further direction, we are busy doing the good that we know to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
God cares about what's going on in our lives. In any decision we have the opportunity to choose who we will worship. Will we worship God or will we worship ourselves? God desires to be the highest priority in every part of our lives, and thus we know it is God’s will that we worship Him.
As you study God's Word and spend time in prayer, your relationship with God grows and you begin to understand God's character. You will then be in the right place to hear God's instruction for other areas of your life. In addition to Bible study and prayer, be willing to seek godly counsel from a mentor, pastor. Why?
1)God speaks through circumstances (Story of Judi P)
2)God speaks through opportunities.(Vicar Hues? Pastor Hues)
Over the next several weeks our Sermon series we will see how God “speaks” through circumstances, and opportunities through the lives of various Old Testament characters who were just ordinary people who God used for extraordinary things. Each of these individuals asked the same question: “What is God’s will for me”.
Some like Moses answered…. … “God could you find someone else!!! Others like Samuel...thought Eli was calling him in the middle of the night…until Eli realized that it was God who was wanting to talk to the boy. We remember that God spoke to Joseph through dreams.
Sometimes God sent and angel to tell the person what is God’s will. God’s will is stated by the angel to the NT carpenter, Joseph. “Don’t be afraid to take Mary home as your wife….”
When Israel wanted a new king to replace Saul…God made Samuel go through all the brothers…. Before David was found.
3)God's Will is Revealed in God's Word.
How basic, but how true. The fact of the matter is this: 99 percent of what God wants to you to do in your life is spelled out in His Word. And here’s a news flash for you. God is not going to mysteriously lead you to do something that contradicts His Word.
4) The will of God is revealed to us in Hebrews 2:14 God took upon himself flesh and blood in the person of Jesus “so that by his death he might destroy the devil.” And so Jesus raised Lazarus from death. He raised from death the boy in the village of Nain. He Himself rose from death after His crucifixion and guarantees our own resurrection.
When Jesus confronts one of the demons belonging to Satan: the evil spirit cried out….”Jesus, I know who you are. You are the holy one of God…have you come to destroy us?”
A Jewish Lawyer, expert in the Law was seeking answer to this very question…”What is the will of God.” Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Then to make sure the lawyer did not limit who his neighbor was …he told the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Patsy Clairmont, in her book “God uses Cracked Pots” tells the story about her youngest son Jason. Little Jason has two goals in life. One is to have fun, and the other is to rest. He does both quite well. So it was no surprise when he was sent out to catch the bus one day and then …a few moments later, a knock came to the back door…
Mom opened the door, and there stood Jason looking up with his back pack and lunch box dragging on the ground. “What are you doing here?” Jason bravely said, “I’ve quit school. Mom, in disbelief said: “Quit School?” She tried to think of some motherly wisdom but all she could say is: ”Why did you quit school?”
Without hesitation Jason said, “It’s too long, it’s too hard, and it’s too boring.” This time Mom was equal to the task. “Yyou have just described life. Get on the bus!”
Day in and day out the challenges of life can be overwhelming in your world, at home, in the church. Sometimes life can be just too hard, too long, and too boring and we lose our Christian hope and joy and fall into despair….”Get on the bus…you are not alone.”
I’m sure you are looking for a magical answer to this question: “What is God’s will for me?”
This brings us to the story of Gideon. Life is long. Life is hard. Life is filled with challenges.
Read Judges 6:1-6 Life was hard.
What is the will of God? The will of God is to save Israel. God sends an angel to Gideon. Read Judges 6:11,13a,14-15 What does Gideon say? Why me? Can’t you find someone else… I’m just a farmer’s son. V 25-30
Whoa! Now how did Gideon feel… He did what God wanted and now the town elders want him dead!
V 33-34 The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. An army arrives. You can hear Gideon say…’Now, look what I’ve gotten myself into…”give me a sign.” God if this is really your will….. give me a sign. (v 36) OK I understand your will… “save Israel.”
The real question was: “Yes, I know what God’s will is but how are you going to do it… using me? That’s what Gideon and we want to know. So… we ask, like Gideon…” God can you give me a little more information.”
George Muller an English evangelist, a man of prayer who lived 1805 – 1898 reminds us that if we want to know what God’s will for our life is, then:
1) God's Will is Revealed in God's Word.
a. Read God’s Word
b. Behavior --practice Christian values and ethics
c. Prayer
d. Listen to the “urging” of God’s Spirit (the story of Judi (walking by everyday but “urged” to leave the side walk) and Winny (searching the internet before moving to Fresno (both finding our church)
2) God speaks through circumstances (Story of Judi P)
3) God speaks through opportunities.(Vicar Hues? Pastor Hues)(our organist Michal)
4) In the meantime…continue to “do good things” by loving your neighbor.
1. It is God’s will that people be saved from their sins.
2. Jesus came to seek and save the lost
3. Jesus came to defeat Satan and death
4. Read God’s word.
5. Pray
a. And observe the circumstances
b. Observe the opportunities and
c. Follow the urging of the Holy Spirit
6. Do Good and love your neighbor
This is God’s will for you and me.
