Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
There is a battle that continually rages in my mind. Worldly thoughts surface, selfish tendencies tempt me, and I feel the struggle inside. I strive to perfectly do what I think God’s plan is for me. But his will is not about me or my works, it’s about what he’s already done. As I simply live in his grace, in his presence, overcome by his goodness, I am glorifying him. Living God’s will is a process.
A person doesn’t “find” God’s will like searching for treasure. Instead, we “find ourselves” in God’s will. We find ourselves in God’s will when we choose Jesus as our Savior and Lord. The moment we put our trust in Jesus, the journey begins. When he makes us a new creature, gives us a new heart, and the Holy Spirit fills our mind with his thoughts and ways, we are renewed and regenerated. Our transformation, learning to think like God thinks and to act like God acts, will continue on forever. We will begin to perceive with God’s eyes and discern with God’s heart as we get to know him deeper. It’s a joy-giving and freedom-filled adventure, because his will is well-pleasing, acceptable and fully satisfying. It is life abundant.
Affirm your identity in Christ and how God is changing you from the inside out. Read your name into Romans 12:1-2 from J. B. Phillips translation and personalize it: With eyes wide open, to the mercies of God, I beg you, ____________, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your body, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. ________, Don’t let the world around you, squeeze __________ into its own mold, but let God re-mold _________’s mind from within, so that _________ may prove in practice that the plan of God for __________ is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.
By Donna Burns
