What does it mean to follow God's will?

Following God's will is a central tenet of the Christian faith, a guiding principle that shapes the lives of believers as they seek to align their actions, decisions, and thoughts with the divine purpose. To understand what it means to follow God's will, we must first explore the nature of God's will itself, how it is revealed to us, and how we can practically live it out in our daily lives.

Understanding God's Will

God's will can be viewed as His sovereign plan for the universe and His specific desires for each individual's life. It encompasses His grand design for creation, as well as His intimate involvement in the personal affairs of every believer. The Bible speaks of God's will in two primary ways: His sovereign will and His moral will.

God's sovereign will refers to His ultimate control over all things. It is the aspect of His will that is unchangeable and certain, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. This is reflected in passages like Isaiah 46:10, where God declares, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." This sovereign aspect assures us that nothing happens outside of God's knowledge and control.

God's moral will, on the other hand, is what He desires from us in terms of our behavior and choices. It is revealed through Scripture, guiding us in how we should live our lives in accordance with His commands and principles. This is seen in verses like Micah 6:8, which calls us to "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Revelation of God's Will

God reveals His will to us in various ways, primarily through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and circumstances. The Bible is the foundational source of understanding God's moral will. It provides clear instructions and principles for living a life that pleases Him. For instance, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), offer concrete guidance on how to live according to God's standards.

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in illuminating God's will for us. Jesus promised His followers that the Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). Through the Spirit's prompting, believers can discern God's direction in specific situations, gaining insight beyond human wisdom.

Prayer is another vital means of seeking God's will. Through prayer, we communicate with God, expressing our desires and seeking His guidance. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He will generously provide it to those who seek it with a sincere heart.

Circumstances, too, can be instrumental in revealing God's will. As we navigate the events and opportunities in our lives, God can use them to direct our paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our ways, promising that He will make our paths straight.

Living Out God's Will

To follow God's will is to live a life of obedience, trust, and surrender. It involves a continual process of aligning our desires and actions with God's purposes, allowing His will to shape our decisions and priorities.

Obedience is a fundamental aspect of following God's will. Jesus Himself modeled perfect obedience to the Father, as seen in His submission to God's plan even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). As followers of Christ, we are called to obey God's commands and teachings, trusting that His ways are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Trust is essential in following God's will, especially when His plans seem unclear or challenging. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, leaning not on our own understanding. This trust is rooted in the belief that God is good, loving, and faithful, and that His plans for us are for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Surrender involves yielding our will to God's, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. This can be a difficult process, as it requires letting go of our own desires and submitting to God's authority. Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42), exemplifies this attitude of surrender.

Challenges in Following God's Will

Following God's will is not always easy, and believers may face various challenges along the way. One common struggle is discerning God's specific will in particular situations. While God's moral will is clearly outlined in Scripture, His specific guidance for individual decisions may not always be immediately apparent. In such cases, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, counsel from other mature Christians, and careful consideration of circumstances.

Another challenge is the tension between God's will and our own desires. Human nature often inclines us toward self-centeredness and the pursuit of our own plans. This can lead to inner conflict when God's will calls us to a different path. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern and follow God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.

The Role of Community

The Christian community plays a vital role in helping believers follow God's will. Fellowship with other believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability as we seek to live out our faith. The early church exemplified this communal aspect, as they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

Within the community, believers can offer wisdom and guidance to one another. Proverbs 27:17 highlights the importance of mutual sharpening, as "iron sharpens iron." Engaging in discussions, studying Scripture together, and praying for one another can help clarify God's will and strengthen our resolve to follow it.

The Joy of Following God's Will

While following God's will may involve challenges and sacrifices, it ultimately leads to a life of fulfillment, peace, and joy. Jesus promised that those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness will have all their needs met (Matthew 6:33). This assurance allows believers to pursue God's will with confidence, knowing that He will provide for them.

Furthermore, living in alignment with God's will brings a deep sense of purpose and meaning. As we participate in His redemptive work in the world, we become part of something greater than ourselves. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

In conclusion, following God's will is a dynamic and lifelong journey of obedience, trust, and surrender. It involves seeking God's guidance through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and circumstances, and living in community with other believers. Though challenges may arise, the joy and fulfillment that come from living in alignment with God's purposes far outweigh any difficulties. As we commit to following God's will, we can rest assured that He will lead us on a path that brings glory to Him and blessing to our lives.