- Lorie Hedgepeth
First Words 11-28-22
Four Critical Questions in Determining the Will of God
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
(Colossians 4:12)
Knowing and doing God’s Will is of paramount importance to every Christian that wants to honor God with their life. Beyond salvation, the Holy Spirit Baptism and Divine Healing, there is a Will of God for each of us individually and for all of us collectively, in our respective churches and ministries. God’s Will is not allusive and mysterious; known and understood by only a select few who are way “deeper in God” than everyone else. It is understood that we must pray and be open to the Voice of the Holy Spirit - God wants us to know His Will. In trying to determine God’s Will on any matter, consider the following critical questions:
Is it in alignment with God’s Word? The Will of God will never…NEVER involve you in anything that contradicts His Word. Man may be double minded but, God is not.
Is it in agreement with the Spirit of God? If it’s not right, the Holy Spirit will “pull back the reigns of your spirit”. “Peace” is a fruit of the Spirit - the “Peace of God” will confirm “The Will of God”. Although we may have moments of anxiousness or even fear…. underneath all of that and overall - there is the Peace of God.
Does it/will it glorify God? Paul said, “Whether therefore you eat, or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God”. Whether it is a relationship, business endeavor, a response to a situation or a lifestyle choice—will it honor God?
Does it create conflict between you and your spouse, who has prayed and sought God’s Will in the matter? God is not going to lead a person to do something that divides the most sacred union in His Word, which is the husband/wife relationship.
It is not unusual to know “what” but, not know “when” to do the “what”. Timing is critical in the Will of God. It may be God’s Will but, not His Time. Billy Graham said that “time is important to man but, timing is important to God". When it is God’s Time, there is a “release” …. a green light…. a peace about starting down the path of His Will.
A person can know God’s Will and yet not know the answer(s) to all the questions regarding the carrying out of His Will. It is in faith that we take steps to do what we know is His Will. We may not have all the answers or resources needed--but, “Faithful is He who called you who also will do it”. He is still the Way-Maker! Again, He is still the Way-Maker and will make a way, showing us the way and opening doors that only He can open!