When we receive Christ as Savior and Lord, we tell Jesus that we are no longing living for our will, but we are choosing to live for the will of God. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ” (1 Peter 4:1–2, NIV84) We are called to live for God’s will alone. Therefore it is important that we learn how to discern the will of God.
God’s will will never contradict His Word. If you are to learn what God’s will is you must learn and study the Bible God’s Word. You must read and apply the Word to your life. You must believe that God’s word is true. You will never grow past the place of your last disobedience. You will grow only to level of your love for God and obedience to His Word.
God’s will will seek to develop the fruit of the Spirit in your life and the lives of others. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ” (Galatians 5:22–24, NIV84) Sometimes God will ask you to lay down something good, in order that you may learn to pick up and receive God’s fruit in your life. It is God’s great priority to work His character and life into your life.
God’s will will help you to grow and mature. Following His will brings wisdom and understanding “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. ” (Proverbs 2:6–11, NIV84)
God’s will hates sin. God’s will embraces holiness and consecration. “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. ” (Romans 6:22, NIV84) Consecration sets aside sin and turns towards God. Holiness allows God to penetrate the inner places of the heart that brings freedom.
An open door does not mean it is God’s will. Jesus was tempted by the devil for forty days. He was tempted with power, authority, and riches. Jesus had an open door before him, but he recognized that this was not God’s door.
A closed door does not mean that God does not want you to enter. Peter was told not to teach and preach. They responded: “Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! ” (Acts 5:29, NIV84) They defied the closed door in order to do the will of God.
Immaturity will say that a road of suffering cannot be God’s plan. Maturity will choose obedience even if some suffering occurs. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ” (Romans 5:3–5, NIV84)
Immaturity looks at the immediate outcome of a decision. Maturity understands that God has a long term plan and “”that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ” (Romans 8:28, NIV84)
God’s will will lead you into your purpose and destiny. God’s will will heal you, sanctify you, pour God’s favor on you and set you free. God’s will will transform you into a history maker. God’s will is awesome.
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