Introduction
As believers, one of the most profound and often elusive questions we seek to answer is: “What is God’s will for my life?” We desire to align our lives with God’s plan and purpose, but discerning His will can be challenging. Fortunately, the Bible provides us with rich insights into the will of God through various stories and scriptural references. Let’s explore some of these biblical narratives and passages to gain a deeper understanding of God’s will.
The Story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50)
The story of Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, is a powerful example of God’s will at work. Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and facing numerous challenges, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and integrity. In the end, God’s plan unfolded, and Joseph rose to a position of authority in Egypt, becoming a blessing to his family and the entire nation.
This story reveals that God’s will sometimes involves adversity and unexpected circumstances. Joseph’s journey was not easy, but through it all, he trusted in God’s faithfulness and remained obedient to Him. It teaches us that God’s will may not always align with our plans, but He can work through challenging situations to bring about His purpose.
Scriptural Reference: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
The parable of the prodigal son is a well-known story told by Jesus that offers profound insights into God’s will. It depicts a wayward son who squanders his inheritance in sinful living and ends up in dire circumstances. However, when he humbly repents and returns to his father, he is warmly received and restored to his former position.
This parable portrays God’s will as a loving and forgiving Father who patiently waits for His children to turn back to Him. It emphasizes God’s desire for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. It also highlights the importance of humility and obedience in discerning and following God’s will.
Scriptural Reference: “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38, NIV).
The Story of Esther (Esther 1-10):
The story of Esther is an inspiring account of a young Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia and risks her life to save her people from destruction. It is a tale of courage, faith, and God’s providence, even in seemingly dire circumstances.
This story illustrates that God’s will often requires boldness and courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of danger. Esther’s unwavering faith and willingness to take risks align with God’s plan, leading to the deliverance of her people. It reminds us that God’s will may call us to step out of our comfort zones and take action for His purposes.
Scriptural Reference: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b, NIV).
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7):
The Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus, is a comprehensive teaching on living in alignment with God’s will. It covers various topics such as attitudes, behaviors, and relationships, providing guidance on how to live a godly life.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will above all else and living according to His principles. It teaches us to prioritize righteousness
and holiness in our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus teaches that those who follow His teachings and do the will of His Father in heaven will be blessed and will experience the fullness of God’s plan for their lives.
Scriptural References:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, NIV).
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV).
The Example of Jesus’ Life (John 4:34, John 5:30):
The life of Jesus Himself serves as the ultimate example of living in perfect alignment with the will of God. Jesus, as the Son of God, came to earth with the sole purpose of fulfilling the will of His Father. He lived a life of perfect obedience and submission, always seeking to do God’s will above all else.
Jesus’ life demonstrates that God’s will is not always easy, but it is always perfect. He willingly laid down His life on the cross to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Jesus’ life exemplifies selflessness, humility, and complete surrender to God’s will, showing us how to live in alignment with God’s purpose for our lives.
Scriptural References:
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:34, NIV).
“By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me” (John 5:30, NIV).
Conclusion: In conclusion, discerning and following God’s will is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. Through biblical stories and scriptural references, we gain valuable insights into God’s will, including the fact that it may involve adversity, repentance, courage, righteousness, and complete surrender to God’s plan. Ultimately, the example of Jesus’ life serves as the perfect model of living in alignment with God’s will.
As believers, let us strive, to seek God’s will above our own, to trust in His faithfulness, and to align our lives with His plan and purpose. Let us be willing to step out in faith, even when it is challenging, and embrace the blessings and fulfillment that come from living according to God’s will. May we always remember that God’s will is perfect, and it is through seeking and following His will that we can experience the abundant life that He has in store for us.
God bless you.