When people talk of God’s will for their lives, they are often thinking of some great plan God has for them in the future. This plan usually has something to do with gifts, talents and careers.
But that is a very narrow view of God’s will. God’s will for you doesn’t only involve your future career or calling. God has a plan, purpose and will for every day of your life.
This means that you shouldn’t just be looking at your future destination. But, you should be focusing on how you can walk in God’s will each day.
Walking in God’s Will
Often we can get trapped in a just get there mentality. But God’s will isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. It’s not all about arriving at the career God has prepared for you. Or marrying the one He has set aside. It’s not just about becoming someone great.
Now am I saying that you need to just abandon God’s vision for your life? Not at all. Keep moving towards it. But don’t get lost in chasing the vision and forget to hear what God is asking of you every day. It’s important to remember that each day you are to surrender your will and walk in God’s.
God’s Will in Everyday
God has a plan and purpose for each of your days. There is a specific way He wants you to approach things you do every day. There is a way He wants you to do grocery shopping, a way He wants you to do your work. God has a particular way He wants you to conduct a meeting or even talk to your family and friends.
This may be surprising news for some people. Perhaps even unsettling for others. That’s a little controlling don’t you think? Some might say. But the truth is it’s not. Especially when you understand that every single thing that God desires for you, is for your good. God only wants to bless you, to give you peace and make things easier for you.
Once you understand this you’ll realise that it’s actually in your best interests to walk in His will every day.
The only reason surrendering control to God may be an uncomfortable thought is because we like to be in control. We’ve delegated the hard stuff and heavy problems to God and decided that we’ll be in charge of the rest.
Money problems, marriage issues we’ll give to God but when it comes to work or even shopping, we’ve got it all figured out. The truth is, we don’t.
If you let God step in, you’ll see things move even better than before. Once you start walking in God’s will and let His mercy and favour go before you, you’ll see yourself succeeding and prospering more than you ever did through your own strength.
How to Walk in God’s Will
Once you realise the value of walking in God’s will, the next step is figuring out how to do that. You can learn how to do this by following David’s example, a man after God’s own heart who did his best to walk in God’s will.
Inquire of the Lord
So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand…? ”
2 Samuel 5:19-20 (NKJV)
The first step to walking in God’s will is inquiring of the Lord. That is what David did in the verse above. When the Philistines came against him, he asked the Lord whether he should fight against them and whether he would win. The Lord answered Him and said yes and David won against His enemies. (2 Samuel 5:20-21)
How many of us inquire of the Lord before we do something? That is the key to success and smooth paths. Inquiring of the Lord is how you can walk in God’s good will for you. Instead of leaning on your own understanding, acknowledge the Lord. Ask Him how you should move, how He wants you to carry out a task and what He wants you to say.
Listen to Your Heart
When walking in God’s will it is also important to listen to your heart. When looking for how God will tell you His will don’t fall into the trap of looking for something big. A thunder in the heavens or a shiver through your skin.
Most of the time, God will simply place what He wants you to do in your heart. (Psalm 37:4) It will come from the inside, as a desire. So again, instead of rushing into something you have planned. Listen to what God is saying by the Holy Spirit, through your heart.
Maybe He is telling you not to go to a gathering you had planned to go to. Perhaps He is telling you to simply rest today. Or maybe there is someone He wants you to visit and talk to.
It might not always be some huge and grand thing. But whatever He asks of you is part of His plan and purpose for you. So it’s up to you to walk in His good will and trust Him.
Read the Word
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.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
As pointed out in the verse above, if you are to walk in God’s will you must have your mind renewed. This renewal can only take place when you read the Word.
The Word gives insight into God’s mind and what He says is acceptable. It teaches you how to live and walk and behave in this life.
The Bible gives clear instruction on how you can handle yourself in different situations. In a way that is acceptable to the Lord.
The more you read it, the more familiar you will become with what God desires in various situations. This will then enable you to walk in line with God’s will every day.
