Is it possible to know God’s perfect will for your life on earth? Over and over I hear this question, “Can you tell me how to find God’s will for my life?”
One Scripture that burns in my heart is 2 Corinthians 11:3: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (NKJV). The simplicity that is in Christ. Somehow we humans can take simple things and make them very complex!
When I’m asked this question about knowing the will of God, I always respond with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NKJV). If we are not walking in obedience to the written Word, then how will we know His voice? Jesus very clearly shares with us in John 10:4, “….the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (NKJV). It is very important that we build our relationship with the Lord so we can hear and recognize His voice. He has promised to lead us by the still waters!
In the verses in 1 Thessalonians, two things stand out to me. First, the will of God is not just focused on what we do or where we go, who we marry, or what we have for dinner. Second, this Scripture tells us what to do to position our heart in relationship to God at all times and in all circumstances of life.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). Everything in our life flows from our heart. What condition is your heart in? This is a key to hearing God’s voice and being led by the Holy Spirit. Our heart is the gateway through which our spirit interacts with the natural realm and opens the door for our purpose in this world through our thoughts and words.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45, NKJV). Our heart is filled with whatever captures our thoughts. Whatever fills our hearts and minds leads us to establish agreement with God or the world.
The words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart are top priority as we walk the runway of life! I’m sure that is why David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, NKJV).
The key to following God’s will for our life is learning to steward our heart. We must steward our heart by filling it with the Word of God and keeping it watered with praise, prayer and giving thanks. Having truths of God’s Word established in my heart helps me recognize the signals from my heart, especially in times of unplanned detours in my life. Your faith in God grows as the Holy Spirit reveals the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven. Your heart and mind will be in agreement with the invisible realm where you can access by faith the promises of God. Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible.
If the enemy can get our focus on “works” for the Lord, instead of our relationship, he can steal our purpose in life. Our communion with the Lord is our power source, connecting our internal reality to external purpose for life.
Daniel 11:32 tells us, “…but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (NKJV). What is the will of God for our life? “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything gives thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16-18, NKJV). This attitude attracts heaven!
This is an act of our will; it does not come naturally in this world. It is not a one-time event; it is a lifestyle. Thankfulness creates a humble attitude giving God first place in our life. It establishes our focus on God so that our awareness shifts from earth to heaven. When we can see from heaven’s perspective, it is easy to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks!
This is the simplicity in Christ. When our heart is established in Him, He will light our path and direct our footsteps through the purpose He has planned for us. Life flows from the heart!
Joyce Tilney is the Founder of Women of God Ministries, teaching women today from women of yesterday. She is an author and Bible teacher. Visit www.wogministries.com for more information. Her new book and workbook, Why Diets Don’t Work – Food Is Not the Problem, share her testimony of how the Lord helped her lose 88 pounds. There is nothing impossible with Him. Visit the website: www.whydiets.com for information.
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