“What is God’s will for my life?” This is a common question especially among Christian youth and young adults. Asking the question is understandable at younger ages. They have most of their life ahead of them. They want to honor God yet wonder how His will specifically applies to them.
Sometimes we do come to crossroads – a job offer in another city; a decision about a relationship – to break it off, to take the next step – engagement? Marriage?; a career path choice; a health situation that may require major family adjustment. We need to seek the Lord for wisdom and then make the decision.
But sometimes the question “What is God’s will for my life” can paralyze us. We get stuck wondering if we’re going in the right direction. We can’t focus because we’re not sure we are on the “God’s will for me” career path.
Yet there is a way forward. It comes by removing the last three words of the question – “for my life.” Then we ask, “What is God’s will?” A whole world of possibility opens up with that question. Consider Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – “And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” So from just 2 verses we learn God’s will.
- Fear the Lord your God – Live in a way that shows respect and honor to Him.
- Walk in all His ways – Conduct your daily life in the ways of Jesus.
- Love Him – Make the Lord your deepest treasure.
- Worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul. – Constantly praise the Lord for His goodness and presence.
- Keep the Lord’s commands and His statutes – Learn the Lord’s teaching and commands. He gives them for our good and His glory.
The more we follow God’s will, the more we will learn to discern His will for our life when those questions arise.
So today, if you’re wondering what God’s will is for your life, focus on God’s will. It should be enough to keep you occupied in productive pursuits all day.
“Lord, we confess that we want a road map for our lives where you tell us exactly where we’re going and exactly how to get there. But walking with you and knowing you more intimately is much more important. Help us to see that as we aim to do your simple will each day you give us.”