How to Live in the Will of God

What is God’s Will?

As Christians there is nothing more important than finding out the will of God for your life. Before the creation of the world, He knew you and had a plan for you (Psalm 139:16 & Jeremiah 1:5). His plan is to bring more of His kingdom into this world. He wants to release more life, more hope, and more light into a world full of people living in darkness, despair, and death.

There is a specific way you are to bring this into the world. The first step is to read your Bible, find out what it says, and then do it. There are general principles we should all follow. We are to love one another with a never-ending love (John 13:34-35). We are to forgive, bless, and pray for one another (Colossians 3:13 & Matthew 5:44). We are to be honest and keep our promises (Ephesians 4:24-25). And, we are to keep our hearts open to God, thanking Him in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

What is God’s Will for Your Life?

These principles are how we are to live the life we are given, but what are we to be. Has God called you to be a teacher, preacher, marketer, politician, or stay-at-home parent? God has made you with specific skills and personality traits with which we are to apply these Biblical principles.

• “find out what pleases the Lord” – Ephesians 5:10
• “whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17
• “doing the will of God from your heart” – Ephesians 6:6
• “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” – Hebrews 10:36

These passages applies to so much more than a list of rules. As servants of the living God, we each have assignments to do. These assignments are given out of a relationship with God (Romans 12:1-2). It’s not so much about doing something for God; it is experiencing more of God through living out of who He created you to be.

Who Are Jesus Mother and Brothers?

For the last month I keep coming back to the place where the crowds are telling Jesus that his mother and brothers were trying to get to him. In the three retellings of this story in the Gospels, we get a glimpse of Jesus’ heart. Jesus says that his mother and brothers are…

1. “are whoever does God’s will” – Mark 3:31-35
2. “are whoever does the will of my Father in heaven” – Matthew 12:46-50
3. “are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” – Luke 8:19-21

The first two occasions share the generic doing the will of God and the will of my Father. But, the third occasion brings new light into what this means. In order for us to do the will of God, we need to hear God’s word and put it into practice. That means we need to be actively listening to God and stepping out in faith to do what we believe we have heard.

How to Live in the Will of God for Your Life

This will look different for each of us. Billy Graham knew he was called to be a preacher calling people to Jesus. Bill Bright knew he was called to turn lost college students into Christ-centered laborers. With great focus to their specific call, they both followed God’s will for them.

I believe my family is called to be in China creating a family for teenage orphan girls. Not everyone is to be doing what we are doing. But everyone is called to be doing something. You may be called to create a small farm and be taught by God through gardening. You might be called to serve coffee and bring light to a small shop in the middle of city of which most people have never heard. It’s not about the spotlight; it’s about following the One who is worthy of our everything. He has something created to give you life and bring life to others through you.

Take time to build your relationship with Jesus. Listen to what He is saying to you. And, step out in faith believing what He has said. This is how to live in the will of God for your life. Jesus has come that you may have life to the full (John 10:10), so let’s enjoy everything He has laid out for us.

Check out our book on two truths Jesus gave to His disciples before sending them to do ministry. I track our journey in China and how God helps keep you in His will. The book is called, Abundant Living, and you can find it on Amazon.