Senior pastor at Chicago's Jesus People USA and founder member of Rez, GLENN KAISER ponders the difficulties of discerning God's will



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But if God has a specific plan, how does he reveal it? Consider Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the apostle Paul and his young charge Timothy. How did he communicate his will to them? If one searches both testaments on this matter, a pattern emerges.

You will find that God speaks to us through his written word. He directs us through other people such as pastors, teachers, prophets, godly parents and such. He communicates to us as we seek him in prayer, sometimes with a "still, small voice", sometimes as a "rushing mighty wind". He also speaks in supernatural ways such as dreams and/or visions, etc. Finally, he either orchestrates or certainly allows circumstances to happen in such a way as to open or close doors of opportunity for us. '

Beginning at my own conversion to Christ, I have sought and received confirmation from the Lord on every major decision I have made as a Christian by these exact means. Unfortunately, some will not be patient enough to get such confirmation before they make an important move.

Some figure that God's grace will cover their blunders and rebellion (which it indeed will -but not without often times DRASTIC consequences) and so think little about it, just doing whatever tasks they "feel" like doing. Others "white knuckle" and sweat, rendered immobile by the fear of "blowing it". These think of God as a hard taskmaster and haven't yet matured in the realisation that God is a loving father who is able to workout everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." The balance is that though this is true, he still calls, gifts and directs us in specific activities.

Some of course, aren't going to seek confirmation before acting simply because they have predetermined what it is that they are going to do/not do!

Acting upon God's revealed will for our lives is the basic way in which we model the gospel of love for the discipling of the Church. It is perhaps the most powerful way to witness the truth to a watching world. Obedience replaces ignorant, largely self-centred sacrifice. It also is anything but passive and apathetic. It is faith that works.
If you search the Scriptures, I think you'll find ample basis for what I have offered here as a guide to the will of God for your life. As always, God has the last word:

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17) CR

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