Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 18, 2014
Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. John 7:17
The will of God is what He wills for His children, but it is not forced. What our heavenly Father wants for us is Himself, His plan and His provision, but only at our instigation. God’s will is a choice. It is an option between a conflicting system of understanding and the Spirit’s process of revealing His clear path. What the Lord wills is what’s best. When we are willing, He is more than willing to show us the next step of faith. A little walk with Jesus unveils His vast love for us.
When we choose the will of God, we choose to follow God no matter what. It is a capitulation to Christ and Christ alone. Belief is what brings discernment into focus. Belief creates clarity, but unbelief clouds our choices. Like the scary sensation of a pitch black bedroom, we stumble toward the bathroom in the middle of the night. So, we cannot see unless we flip on the switch of faith. It’s from the bright light of trust that we find the Lord’s best. His will starts with our Savior.
“The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them” (Psalm 25:14).
Are two conflicting choices staring you in the face of your faith? Both are good, but you want to know the Lord’s best. Where to work? Who to date or marry? Where to live? Where to attend church or school? Rise above your affections for your options and set your affections on Jesus. Release your earthly attachments and set your heart on heavenly outcomes. What you let go of, God gives back in what’s best for you. Prayer and patience produce your best choices for Christ.
Faith is confidence in Christ; a total trust in His character and His claim to be God. Once you settle this, submit your will to the Lord’s will. Surrender your right to know what’s right and take the next right step. Your choice to do God’s will does not guarantee instant revelation, but it does mean you move forward under the Spirit’s guidance. Follow by faith, even if you don’t feel a spiritual sensation. Obedience to what you know, may eventually answer what you don’t know. Choose God’s will and He will affirm His truth in your heart. You are a confidant of His will.
“For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence” (Proverbs 3:32).
Prayer: Heavenly Father I submit my will to Your will, so I can joyfully follow Your ways.
Related Readings: Job 29:4; Psalm 111:10; Mark 3:35; Acts 18:21; Romans 12:1-2
Post/Tweet today: Obedience to what you know, may eventually answer what you don’t know. #chooseGod’swill
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The message this morning really touched a situation that I am personally dealing with. Seeking God’s will is a daily struggle for me as I want to please God with every decision in my life. I’ve made decisions in my past that I’m not proud of and I don’t want to travel that road again. So, God and His forgiving love has given me an opportunity to try again and I am so grateful! Presently, I face looking for work while trying to be a supportive wife and mother, which has not been easy. Letting go of my plans and stepping forward, not knowing what is coming, is taking all of my faith and then some. One part of the lesson that stood out to me today is “Obedience to what you know, may eventually answer what you don’t know. Choose God’s will and He will affirm His truth in your heart. You are a confidant of His will.” My desire is to be in God’s will and stay there. Thanks for a great devotional lesson!
Dear Charlene~ Thank you for taking the time to respond to us regarding the devotional,”God’s Permissive Will”. And thank you,also, for your honesty in saying “Seeking God’s Will is a daily struggle”. I think that you probably speak for many of us!
I pray as you go about your search for a job, that you will continue to seek our Heavenly Father’s Will for you. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
P.S. If you get a chance, let us know how the job search is going and if there is anything, specifically, we can be praying about for you. We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter!