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What is God’s will? (Part 2)

This is an idea, thought, and plan that has been purposed by God. These cannot be thwarted by any force, power, or creation. God’s will is deep and vast; it has no limits and no constraints. It moves uninterrupted; it will come to pass. God’s will is settled in heaven; no wonder The Lord’s prayer says, “Your will be done on earth AS IT IS in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). God’s will has considered the best possible scenarios/actions to accomplish a particular task, and so because we do not see everything happening behind the scenes, we have to trust God’s plans for our lives.

Because it is God’s will, He Himself will bring it to pass. He knows why He set the paths to run so. He knows why it has to be you on that mission, and more importantly, He knows how to get you across to the other side.

Definition of will:

  • To determine; to decide in the mind that something shall be done, implying power to carry the purpose into effect. In this manner, God wills whatever comes to pass: Thy will be done: Lord’s Prayer.
  • The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action: The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.
  • Diligent Purposefulness;
  • Creating a promise to perform
  • Choice; discretion; pleasure: The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.
  • Power; arbitrary disposal: Deliver me not over to the will of my enemies. Psalm 27.
  • Ill will: enmity; unfriendliness.
  • To command or to direct

When it comes to God’s will, our own actions, thoughts, and attitudes can indeed become major obstacles that hinder us from experiencing the fullness of His blessings and leading a life of positivity. Here are some ways in which we can stand in our own way and cause negative outcomes.

Doubt and Lack of Faith: When we doubt God’s plan or lack faith in His promises, we may hesitate to take steps forward in obedience to His will. This doubt can lead to missed opportunities and a sense of uncertainty that breeds negativity in our hearts.

Fear and Insecurity: Fear of the unknown or fear of failure can paralyze us from stepping out in faith. We may feel insecure about our abilities or worthiness, leading to a negative self-perception and a reluctance to trust God’s plan for our lives.

Selfish Desires and Ambitions: Sometimes, we prioritize our own desires and ambitions over God’s will. Our selfish pursuits can lead us down paths that aren’t aligned with His plan, causing discontentment and a lack of fulfillment.

Lack of Surrender: When we resist surrendering our lives entirely to God, we try to maintain control over our circumstances. This lack of surrender can lead to frustration as we grapple with situations beyond our control, causing negativity to seep into our hearts.

Unforgiveness and Bitterness: Holding onto grudges, bitterness, or unforgiveness can poison our hearts and create a negative and toxic atmosphere in our lives. These negative emotions can hinder our ability to fully embrace God’s love and plan for us.

Impatience: Often, God’s will requires patience and perseverance. When we become impatient and try to rush ahead of His timing, we can create unnecessary stress and negativity in our lives; we can create chaos in the spiritual realm.

Comparison and Envy: Comparing ourselves to others and feeling envious of their blessings or success can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and negativity. It takes our focus away from God’s unique plan for our lives. It also shows that you don’t understand what’s yours and the fact that you have your own unique lane to walk/run on.

Ignoring God’s Guidance: Neglecting to seek God’s guidance through prayer and His Word can leave us feeling lost and directionless. This lack of connection with God can lead to negativity and a sense of purposelessness. This is choosing your own will over God’s will.

The verse below can help to understand and ultimately accept God’s will for you. Remember, everything is in progression. The more you walk with God, the more He grows in you, and the more you learn to trust Him and walk in His will. As you meditate on His word, transformation takes place as your mind begins to mirror that of Christ.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In this verse, the Apostle Paul encourages believers not to conform to the patterns and values of the world but to undergo a transformation by renewing their minds. By doing so, they will be able to discern and experience what is the will of God. Let’s explore some possible interpretations of these three types of wills.

  1. Good Will of God: This refers to God’s benevolent and morally excellent intentions for His creation. It includes His desire for our well-being, the manifestation of His love, and the fulfillment of His purposes in accordance with His goodness. It reminds me of the book of Genesis after God created the world and said, “It is good.” (Genesis 1:31)
  1. Acceptable Will of God: This implies that there are actions and choices that align with God’s character and values, which are deemed acceptable in His sight. It suggests a call to live in a manner that is pleasing and honorable to God, following His guidance and living according to His precepts. An example here can be when King Hezekiah fell sick. Prophet Isaiah was sent to tell him that he would not recover. Hezekiah cried to God that He should remember how He was loyal and served the Lord. God, in his mercy, heard his prayer and sent Isaiah the prophet back to him to tell him that he would add to his days 15 years. The king’s reasons were acceptable to God, but this was not the perfect will. (2 Kings 20)
  1. Perfect Will of God: This signifies God’s ultimate and complete plan for our lives. It encompasses His divine wisdom and purposes, which are flawless and fully aligned with His character. The perfect will of God denotes living in complete obedience and surrender to His leading, seeking His direction in every aspect of our lives. An example here is King David. Unlike King Saul (acceptable), David was God’s choice, and we all know that from his lineage came Jesus.

Can you find other examples in the Bible that showcases these three types of wills?

As you walk with God, you’ll begin to know Him more, and trust will build automatically as a result. If you have doubts, I encourage you to give things time. Your faith muscles are being developed, and soon enough, as the verse above says, you will be able to prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Food for thought:

  • What area of your life carries doubt?
  • How can the above reading help with this area that carries doubt?
  • Imagine God speaking to you about this area – what would He say?