God does have a plan and purpose for each one of us. And success in life would depend on knowing His plan and submitting ourselves to His will.
George Washington said, “The whole duty of man is summed up in obedience to God’s will”. God had promised to reveal His plan for us: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). If we heed to His voice, He will teach us to choose the way we ought to walk. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” are the promises of the Lord. (Psalm 32:8; 25:12).
If we completely submit ourselves to God’s will, we shall hear His still small voice from behind. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isa. 30:21. We need to have a renewed mind to understand, the good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:2) The supreme thing in this life is to realize God’s will in our personal life. In the life of Paul, God revealed it to Him. About Paul the Lord said, “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel; for I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. (Act. 9:15-16)
God desires to see five important aspects in everybody’s life which are generally referred to as God’s moral will: First of all it is His will that everyone should be saved. (1Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Pet.3:9) More over, God desires that we should live a holy life, and also lead a Spirit- filled life. (1Thess.4:3-8; Eph.5: 17-18). Peter exhorts believers to be submissive to the human authority because it is the will of God. (1Pet.2:13-15) It is God’s will that we should suffer for His name sake. (1Pet.3:17) Our Lord suffered and drank the bitter cup of suffering to fulfill the father’s will. (Lk. 22:42)
Godly men and women who meditate His word day and night will be able to discern His will. The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us. (Jn. 14:26; 16:13) Some times God will reveal His will through certain circumstances. For example, when Sara told Abraham to cast out Hagar and her son, the thing grieved Abraham. But later he realized and submitted himself to God’s will. (Gen: 21:10-12). If we fear the Lord and trust in Him, He will guide us even today. When God bolts the door, don’t try to get in through the window. The will of God never leads you to a situation where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Listen to the words of David Livingstone: “I had rather be in the heart of Africa in the will of God than upon the royal throne of England out of the will of God” So let’s pray along with the Psalmist, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness”. (Psa. 143:10).
Bro. Koshy Mathew
