God's will?

Absolutely He has a will and a purpose for each individual.

One does not automatically know what that is. You must begin by being obedient to His call, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me..

It is only as we are obedient to the Scriptures in each decision we are faced with moment by moment, that His specific will for us becomes clear.

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

 

The more we yeild our will to His will, the more His will can operate within our lives.

1 Thess. 5:
16
Rejoice evermore.
17
Pray without ceasing.
18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19
Quench not the Spirit.
20
Despise not prophesyings.
21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

[ December 27, 2002, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: Caretaker ]

 

Is it *only* through the scriptures that we can know the will of God? Is it through the scriptures that he leads us step by step? Does not God also lead us by his answering prayer? I am really just curious.

 

The Scriptures give us the plumb line by which to judge whether something we think is personal from God is really by and from Him. This requires knowing the Scriptures, though! If what we think is direction from Him goes against a specific word or principle in Scripture, then the personal 'leading' was not from Him. It could either have been our own wants deceiving us or something presented demonically.

However, yes, God certainly does give individual leadings which will always be in accord with His Word. And we can either obey or disobey.

 

Is not prayer in obedience to His Word?

 

I believe that God answers prayer, and that when we are yeilded to Him, and His precious Word, that He will lead us.

Fifteen years ago I was in a low paying job, substandard housing, and my family was suffering. I prayed for a way to provide better housing, and a way to help others.

I happened to get off early from work, and stopped in to see my wife at the bowling alley where she worked. The local paper was on the counter. I opened the adds and scanned the employment section. I saw an add for a caretaker at a local lake. The add was only in the paper one day, and I did not have the money to subscribe to the paper. This was the only paper I saw that week.

I mailed in a resume that same day. Out of 150 applicants, 20 of us were chosen by resume, and I was the successful applicant, following two interviews. One month later we moved from a three bedroom mobile home,(that was falling-down around our ears), into a two story, 5 bedroom, house with a library and dining room. The house is rent free and all utilities paid, as part of my benefit package.

In fifteen years I have completed a college degree, served as a volunteer fire fighter for the last 13 years, reserve officer with local SO, and been in a position to assist many people with everything from 4 heart attacks, a dozen auto accidents, apprehending an escaped felon, shutting down drunken teenagers, rescuing boaters, to helping little old ladies with flat tires. I am the first response in any emergency for up to 20 minutes.

I have completed theological studies through Liberty University, and I have had folks come to my door for counseling and prayer from a Biblical perspective. I have written many editorials for the local paper from a pro-life perspective, a time or two,(its hard to remember), as primary OP-ED to a pro-abortion editorialist. I am on call 24/7 and folks know that I will be there for them and will do my best, and that I serve my Lord my God. I have even had the honor to fill-in a couple of pulpits, when the pastor had to have emergency surgery.

God answered my prayer through an open window of opportunity, and I was willing to respond and step out in faith. He has brought me skills and abilities and a continuing education, and has blessed me in so many ways. Each day I pray for His guidance and leading, and for His will be done.

May God so bless His precious children.

A servant of Christ,
Drew

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O'God, and renew a right spirit within me.

 

Your story isn't unique, Drew, but everytime I read one like it I get shivers. And praise God! What an encouragement you are to others with your testimony. God bless you!

 

It is my will that both my sons accept Christ as their Savior but one has not - I "can't" force him.

God has a will for each of us but we may not be "in His will" by our own volition. He "could" force us.

A friend - Jim

 

It's hard to stay out of the will of GOD.

"whom he loves he chastens"