Life is A Maze(ing)

When we talk about “God’s Will” most of the time we are longing to know his personal will for us. It’s unfortunate that the conversation stays there, because God’s will can be a much more when we look beyond his specific will. In addition to his specific will, there is moral will and sovereign will. God’s moral will has to do with how he longs for his creation to function. Morality isn’t just a list of things we should or shouldn’t do; it outlines things we were designed for and things harmful to us. God’s moral will is found in the scriptures as we begin to learn how he ordered creation and humanity. Finally, God’s sovereign will is when God wants something to happen and he simply accomplishes it directly. It’s his, “let there be light” kind of will.

When you are at a loss for what to do in the specifics of life it can be very helpful to focus on God’s moral will. How has God created you and what does he teach you about becoming a thriving person? That is a question the scriptures address more directly. I wrote the song posted with this devotional and it says, “I’ve decided to follow you and that’s enough.” As I studied God’s will at the end of Bible college, I was hoping for a specific direction for my life. Instead, God taught me I could follow his general will and trust him to open and close doors as needed. I decided I could love my neighbor, consider others better than myself, and use my gifts in any place. I made the leap into ministry with that newfound boldness.

By Aaron Bjorklund  

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” This quote, attributed to Yogi Berra, seems to be how we go through life. I know when I was younger, and sometimes still today, I traveled through life seeming to have my fingers in my ears, taking whatever may come.

What happens when we take a wrong turn, choosing the wrong fork in the road? When our decisions lead us down a path not intended for us, can any good come from it? I suppose it depends on how we interpret “all things” within Romans 8:28.  I’m thinking “all” really does mean “all.” Nothing is outside the purview of God’s grace and mercy in the meandering paths we sometimes choose.

These paths taken and the experiences had on each journey are like the threads in fabric. All of these threads, some being full of color and vibrant, and others disorganized and unusable, can be taken by our Grand Weaver, God, and woven into a fabric that honors and glorifies God. All the threads, those beautiful and those rough and sometimes full of debris, are used and all are knitted together by our Weaver.

As we return to our Weaver following our meandering journeys, seeds of doubt can begin to bloom, telling us our fabric is frayed and unusable. But, Romans 8:28 informs that our God will use our woven fabric for his Kingdom. As you consider your fabric, consider and contemplate these words and realize that you always have value to God.

By Rich Obrecht

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

In my experience, the path to knowing God’s will can feel challenging and often obscure. And if I’m honest, many times I’ve made the focus of my prayers and thoughts solely on arriving at God’s good and perfect will. That may be fine, except I neglect the important steps of recognizing and responding to God’s character in surrender.

In my quest to know His will I often miss out on what He desires: my trust. He doesn’t demand trust-less, blind obedience from me like some cosmic dictator. No, he motivates me by his incredibly sacrificial love for me; he longs for me to respond in obedience and surrender. This is when I will find the will of God. When I reflect upon the character of God and choose to relinquish my will to his.

The order matters. First, I recognize the truths about God’s character. Then, based on his trustworthy character I surrender my life, my will, my desires. Only then, I know and live in the will of God.

How about you? How have you typically understood and sought after God’s will? Take a moment today to reflect on one aspect of God’s character (perhaps his mercy, love, or grace). Pray a prayer of surrender, asking him to motivate you by his character to surrender to his good and perfect will.   

By Ellen Rosenberger