Knowing God's Will for Our Actions

Perhaps the most profound question asked by every believer is, “How do I know what God wants me to do?” Some claim that their actions or decisions are the result of God putting a certain desire “on their heart”.  Others wait for a “sign” or confirmation of what God wants them to do.  I think one must be careful to not oversimplify.

In the 32^nd Psalm, a special message written by David as one of his “maskils” or “special teachings”, he writes: “I (God) will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I (God) will counsel you with my loving eye on you. ⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding, but must be controlled by bit and bridle.”

God did not create us to be like a horse waiting for instructions as to which direction of path we should take.  He created us with intelligence to make decisions on our own.  God created us with a capacity for aspirations and desires.  Some of these desires are consistent with God’s will—some are not.  One must be careful about making conclusions that a particular aspiration or desire “on our heart” is according to God’s will or not. It is written: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure,” Jeremiah 17:9

The first action one should take when undertaking the task of indentifying God’s will is prayer.  Pray to God constantly—be in constant fellowship with him.

The second action should be to study the Word of God, generally and specifically.  Generally as a matter of your Christian Walk and specifically to determine what it has to say about the specific question you have.

The third action should be to allow God to speak to you through others. I believe this is the most common way that God “communicates” with us---through others.  Seek the “Counsel of Many”.  LISTEN!!

Fourth, examine your present circumstances and see if they are consistent with the path or decision you are contemplating. 

But have not we heard “God does not call the equipped. He equips the called?” Have we not been told that if we are doing “God’s will” he will give us all we need to get the job done? I believe this is true and is consistent with Hebrews 13: “ ²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.” There are many examples of God working through ordinary people—equipping them to do according to his will. But that does not mean that God will bless and equip us to fulfill every desire we deem, on our own, to be according to God’s will. In fact, most of the time when God has miraculously “equipped” the improbable, the calling was not part of that person’s “heart’s desire”.

If you have a terrible singing voice and can’t carry a tune in a bucket, God is probably not calling you to be a Gospel singer—no matter how strong your desire to be one. In most cases, God has given you the talents and abilities to reach the goals he desires for you.  Look for “evidence” that is “beyond a reasonable doubt” that God’s plan for you is consistent with your desires by checking all four “resources”—all of which by the way are provided by God for you.  On the other hand, don’t be afraid of obstacles that might be in your path—when doing God’s work, according to his will, anything is possible. If God has placed you at the “fork in the road” do not allow fear to influence your decision.

Then, finally, be on the lookout for the “fruit” of your actions. If it is part of God’s plan, good “fruit” will be the result.  For as taught in Romans 8:28 “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Wayne Strout

stroutmail@yahoo.com

After a 25+ year hiatus from racing, Wayne will be racing his Vortech Formula Vee this year in SCCA National and Regional Competition. In the 1980’s he was a SCCA Division Champion in GT1 and raced in the Trans Am series. He also raced Formula Ford and Formula Vee in SCCA and competed in NASCAR Winston/Nextel/Sprint Cup.  Wayne is an Investment Manager/Economist and the Grandfather of nine. He lives with his wife Carol in Central Pennsylvania.