What is God’s Will?
“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
From this verse, we understand we must do the Father’s will and he reveals his will through the Holy Spirit. We, from knowing the Word and being in prayer, are guided by God in His will. As we become more Christ-like, the more doors the Lord will open for us.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) We are called to be disciples of Christ and we deny self meaning we put serving the Lord as our top priority. We carry our cross implies we, through the guidance and power of our Lord, endure.
We follow Christ who speaks to us through the Spirit, and as we mature in Christ he will open doors to our ministry. We live each day reflecting the Lord’s love and telling people the good news of Christ whenever the opportunity arises. As we spiritually mature in this day-to-day ministry, the Lord will open a door to a more challenging work. For example, God molded Joseph for thirteen years in Egypt while he was working for Potiphar and while he was falsely accused and then put in prison. Thirteen years later, God opened a door and Joseph became second in command in Egypt. God gave Joseph success working for Potiphar and in prison, because Joseph did everything in service to God.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) We die to self and let Christ live in us. That’s why we have the indwelling Holy Spirit who interfaces to Christ for us. Without Christ guiding us through the Spirit, we can never spiritually mature. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:20) We are ambassadors for Christ which means we represent Jesus at all times. That is why we have Christ guiding us through the Spirit. We reveal the fruit the Spirit and knowledge of the Word to the world. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Today, seek to do the Lord’s will and the Spirit will guide you. Have faith and courage to obey the Lord’s commands. The Lord knows our talents better than we know our talents, therefore trust his will. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Prayer: Lord, guide through the Spirit to fulfill your will today. I pray for your divine guidance in fulfilling your will and help me to hear the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen