God’s Will

Reflections on God’s Will

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The Will Of God

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” Acts 2:22-23

These words were spoken through the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost. This passage starts this reflection on God’s will because it shows clearly that there is a larger plan in God’s mind.

It is clear by this passage that the death of Christ was the plan—The definite plan. It must be stated that God doesn’t work in accidents. He is sovereign. This is his world and he does whatever he pleases.

Psalms 115:3 says,

“But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”

And again,

Psalms 135:6 says,

“Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.”

He had a plan and a purpose when he first spoke, “Let there be light” in Genesis.

The fact that Christ’s death was his definite plan, shows us that the fall and sin wasn’t a surprise either. The death of Christ was because of the sin. It was all the plan of God.

Indeed even my salvation is in the plan of God.

There are many verses that show the will of God displayed when it comes to salvation. For instance, in Romans 9:15-18 it says,

“For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.”

My human will isn’t what saved me, but God’s planned mercy is what saved me. On the second half of this passage in Romans 9, we hear God say to pharaoh that he made him (pharaoh) to show the world his (God’s) power in him (pharaoh); for the purpose of the proclamation of God’s name.

It’s all for His purpose. It’s all His. It’s all for His name. Many find this very difficult to grasp. They find it insulting, as if God is being unfair, but Gods will is definite and fair.

There’s another part of God’s will that needs to be made clear: The praise of his glorious grace and exaltation of his son. The grace from the father through his son, Jesus Christ. The exaltation of the son is the will of God. The exaltation of God’s glory is primary in God’s plan. God is the focus of the universe. This is very important to understand in knowing God’s will.

Listen to Paul in Ephesians 1:4-6,

“even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

And Isaiah 43:7 says,

"everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

Then again, Romans 11:36 says,

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

And going back to the end of Romans 9 its written,

Verse 23,

“in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—“

Or in Isaiah 48:9-11 we see Him speak of his own glory,

“For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, And for My praise I restrain it for you, In order not to cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned?And I will not give My glory to another.”

So whether sin, death, law, judgement, or salvation, all is for His glory and His exaltation. This is very important to keep central in our minds when acting out and centering our lives on God’s will.

God’s will is not man-centered, but God-centered. God’s will is all-encompassing—It’s definite. He controls everything and is working all things for his name and glory.

Usually when people are asking about God’s will, they are asking in relation to their circumstances and life. They are asking for their personal existence. They want to know specifics. They want to know what job to take and who to marry.

This is good. In fact God desires that we have discernment when it comes to his will. Although the specifics that we want aren’t laid out in scripture, we have guidelines that help in these decisions.

Men and women should seek the specifics of their part in the whole. (By whole, I mean how our day to day lines up with Gods main focus, his glory.) We can seek his will in our personal life but it must be according to his main purpose.

Practically how does this look? How do I live in such a way that will show God’s glory in the best way possible with the life he has planned for me to have? How can I steer my day to day decisions? I hope the rest of this article gives us more clarity on this topic.

This is what I want to consider in this reflection.

Considering Ephesians 2:10,

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

I think this verse has good things to contribute as I consider the life given to me for the whole of the exaltation of God’s glory. It says that I was created in Christ for good works. Preplanned good works. God’s glory is seen through his planned works expressed in my day to day life. Meaning, my life is on a path that has things for me to do. Now how do I come to understand what they are? Is it every good work? Or only some?

Romans 12:2 says,

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

This is helpful. In order to know the “good” I must have a renewed mind. This renewing of the mind happens in savoring and pondering the word of God. Paul again, as I have mentioned in previous reflections, says we have the “mind of Christ.”— we have His spirit and we have his word.

1 Corinthians 2:16 says,

“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

God’s inspired word. Which is visible in 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

“Every good work.” The same theme seen in Ephesians 2:10. The word of God is taken in, as I read, (which is vital in our lives, it is God’s will that we read His word.) and in this, what is good is clearly understood. This happens through the teaching, reproof, correction, and training.

In this determination of what is good, the man or woman rightly lives in a way that gives God the greatest glory. This is excellent. Indeed the working of God in the man is revealed through his life being changed and expressed in the fruit of his doing good.

So what good has God willed for my life?

Let me consider this now.

All of what God has willed for me is apart of the “good” that will give him glory.

The first passage that I want to consider is,

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.

Which says,

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;”

God’s will is that I live a pure life. One of holiness. This is good. This gives God glory. It is playing its part in the whole plan of God.

Now, this works in many ways and I think it’s clear what this would be in practice. Obviously a married man should keep his wondering eyes to himself. He should keep his wondering mind on things that are Christ-centered. He should not be given over to pornography or cheating on his spouse. Nor should he be given over to flirting or chasing women who are not his wife.

He wasn’t made for this behavior in Christ. He was made for the glory of God. His life is to exalt God in its purity. This is the will of God and I think it could be worked out in extreme ways. Indeed, the more it’s lived out to its fullest extent, the better! Indeed our church is filled with people who are very loose with what they see and fill their minds with.

More than this, God’s goal in sanctification is to make the Christian more like Christ.

Considering Romans 8:29 when it says,

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

And again, in 2 Corinthians 3:18, which says,

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

This verse is showing the ongoing transformation that believers experience as they gaze at the glory of God. Mainly by seeing the beauty and light shown forth from the Gospel.

So, God’s will is that I become like his son and that I live out the good of being pure for his glory.

Secondly it would be right to consider,

1 Thessalonians 5:18.

It says,

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

This makes sense in light of everything covered above. If God is in control and we can clearly see his grace and mercy set on his people, it’s safe to conclude that all that happens to me is in his hands. Indeed, leading to the exaltation of himself.

It’s in his plan for the definite good planned for my life to be worked out. It’s the good in my life for his glory. So, it’s his will that I am thankful in all things. This is wonderful.

I’d like to note further, that the thanks is given through prayer.

Consider,

Philippians 4:6 when it says,

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

And Colossians 4:2,

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

And again,

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which is covered above, but we see more in its entirety,

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

And then lastly,

Psalm 95:2 which says,

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"

So, all circumstances are for God’s glory and in that we must be thankful.

This implies that even suffering is something that is good to God. It’s something that we should be thankful for. Indeed, Christ suffering was for good and glory!

This is why in James 1:2-4 we read things like,

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials (suffering) of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Suffering is actually a part of the process—even the correction and training found in 2 Timothy that we covered above.

More than that the men through whom the suffering comes must be dealt with in patience, love, and prayer. Which makes sense because we know God is in control.

Considering Romans 12:12 which says,

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

And then,

Matthew 5:44,

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Enemies are expected vehicles of suffering and persecution for the good works to be laid upon like a diamond on a black background. Which also points back to the idea that we are, “children of light” and “the light of the world.”

Let me go further in this and consider more passages.

Consider 1 Peter 4:19 when it says,

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

And 1 Peter 3:17,

“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, (which it is) than for doing evil.”

It is clear that suffering is God’s will. In fact the comfort and security in the faithful creator was accomplished through Christ work on the cross in the Gospel—through suffering. The will of God is for Christ followers to do good in an evil world, in the midst of pain, in order for the exaltation and glory of God.

Again in 2 Timothy 3:12 which expounds on this when it says,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”

They will suffer.

Now there is another aspect to this.

Consider 1 Peter 2:15,

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”

God gets glory in the planned good set forth in my life, even in the midst of suffering, because it shows not only his worth or glory but also his wisdom.

The foolishness of wicked men is seen in their inflicting pain on those who are doing good. It makes no sense why they hate men who are doing good. But this is because they hate the light and love the darkness.

We see this in John 3:20,

“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed”

Considering God’s wisdom we read,

“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”

1 Corinthians 1:20-21

I must note that the “folly” he is referring to, is the cross. Which is suffering.

God has spoken clearly in his word of the condition of men; that they are evil. So when he saves men and regenerates their lives in Christ and they lay down their lives because they treasure Christ, God is glorified. His son is shown as supreme in worth.

More than this, Christians do good and speak truth even in the worst hostility or pain. This is good to God. It shows him as true in what he has spoken. It shuts the mouths of His enemies—who consider him foolish.

That’s the will of God for his glory. Do good in suffering in order to silence fools. For his name and glory. Indeed, as a Christian we have given up our name and glory to celebrate his name and glory. Whatever is in my life that promotes this is giving to the very reason why I exist. I exist for his glory.

So here’s the good works laid out in Gods will for our lives for his glory:

1. To be conformed to Christ: Become as he is. This happens as we seen in Romans 12:2, with the renewal of your mind through the reading of scripture. Prayerful reading will transform your thinking and give you the mind of Christ which will transform our lives. We will discern what is really good, and all the rest of this list will flow into one.

2. Be sanctified: Live lives of holiness. Live lives of purity.

3. Give thanks in all circumstances. This is prayer.

4. Suffering and persecution

5. Continuing to be steadfast in doing good in order to shut the mouths of the foolish who call God a liar.

6. Read God’s word: To know his will, it must be assumed it is his will that we read and love what reveals his will; The Bible.

This list and reflection isn’t exhaustive. Indeed, the word of God shows more and more examples of gospel conduct and the good laid out for us. I would encourage you to set your heart to read the epistles. I would encourage you to note the gospel laid out first and then the conduct that flows after.

God’s glory is the main thing in this universe. He is the best thing in this universe. Indeed he’s made you and I for the exaltation of that glory. Let us carry out the good planned for us in order that we may point all men to gaze at the most glorious being in the universe. Let us enjoy the greatest task given to men: To glorify God and enjoy him forever.

Now, many struggle with topics like this. Words like: Will, Election, Sovereignty. It causes our minds to have an attitude of complacency or even doom. Indeed, even anger.

I think this happens because we want to be the deciders of what is considered just. We think we understand Justice. We also want control. Indeed a big part of our sin is that we want to do what we want to do, even if God says no.

Another part of our sin is that we think we are better than we really are. We undermine the severity of how sinful we really are. This mixture really makes God appear to us as unjust in what he allows for our lives—even suffering. I think if we reflect on the Gospel these things would become more clear and understandable.

Now believe it or not, I didn’t plan on an article about God’s will to become so drenched with the topic of suffering. When I set out on this reflection I wanted to consider the obvious texts with the phrase, “will of God” visibly stated. Indeed most text covered above have had that phrase stated. I wrote this to encourage myself throughout suffering and indeed it shows. Suffering has been on my mind for many months.

But since suffering has overtaken this article, I understand that it could leave someone feeling hopeless. Many people I know have deep suffering as I type this article. Indeed we need encouragement.

My sister’s husband just died from cancer. This left her as a widow with a teenage daughter.

My dad has kidney cancer and chemo isn’t working.

My nephew is disabled and lying in a bed unable to speak, talk, or walk.

My wife suffers with chronic pain. Mainly in her neck. This causes daily migraines. She has wept dearly for God to lift them.

So when we read articles like this, it’s not very joyful. Indeed when you know God can fix it and he hasn’t—this can be discouraging.

The question that arise when thinking about God’s will and control is, “well, then why pray? If it’s all planned, why pray? Why do anything?” This question has many answers and promises to rest in, but I want to only consider one for this reflection.

I recently had a scripture stirred in my mind from a comment on something I posted. I think God used that post for this article so I could share that scripture with those who ask these questions.

in 2 Samuel 12:15-23. After David's child with Bathsheba fell ill, David fasted and prayed for the child's recovery. Indeed for the suffering to be removed. I think it’s important to note that it’s okay for us to ask for the suffering to subside. He hoped that God might “change His mind” and spare the child.

Now, we can determine from the psalms I shared above, that David knew full well about God’s control and sovereignty. But considering his attitude towards his suffering and his attitude towards God:

It says,

“Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”

Now it’s important to note that this happened because of David’s sin with Bathsheba. Which shows a reality about sin that we should consider:

Sin does have consequences and indeed we do suffer from the consequences of sin. The wages of sin is death. Sin will wreck our lives if we persist in it. God even disciplines us through this and leads us to repentance.

Even though sin entices the believer and though he may fall; Sin has no more rule in his life. The Christian can say no to sins lure. Christ made this possible on the cross. In Christ all punishment for a Christians sin was put on the cross. There is therefore now no condemnation for a Christian.

Indeed, this implies your suffering from the presence of sin is being redeemed! Your slavery to sin has been killed! We can say no to sin!

You suffer because you live in a sin-filled world. But you don’t suffer from condemnation. Indeed, you and I are headed to death. But be sure, you will live forever.

This is a special thing to consider in this process of life with sin. It’s bearing on us and one day it will be gone for good along with suffering. When that happens our lives will give way to an eternal weight of glory!

Though it be God’s will to save you and though it be his will that you live life for him and suffer in it, be sure it’s his will to live with you for eternity!

Now, lastly, notice the term, “gracious.”

David was leaning on the grace of God in his suffering. To take the suffering away. He wanted his child to live and he fasted and pleaded hoping God would be gracious. We also hear Paul have the same attitude towards his thorn in the flesh. He wanted it gone. We then hear God answer with the same idea as we hear from David.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says,

(God speaking) "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

This passage emphasizes the idea that God's strength is most evident in our weaknesses. In our suffering. It’s also showing that Gods will in suffering is that Gods grace and power are clearly seen through it.

More than that David makes it clear to keep asking until you can’t ask anymore. Wait for an answer and rest in the fact that God’s greatest use for you is to show his power in your weakness. Rest in the fact that God does what is good and just even if it hurts. We know deeply how much it hurts. Christ knows deeply how much it hurts.

Hebrews 4:15 says,

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

And again in 1 Peter 2:21 when it says,

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

Christ knows it hurts. Gods will had him as the center of all redemption history. It hurts but he’s good. Indeed David and Paul knew this.

One day great joy will spring out from eternity from this power on display in us. God’s glory in suffering will become our greatest joy!

David knew his sin deserves death and that there’s consequences in sin. But even in that he knew salvation was only by Gods grace.

“Though we suffer all of this life,

let us be sure that our life is hidden in Christ!

Though Gods will is that I suffer now,

I know where my treasures is found.

Sin will entice me till I die in bed,

let it be known I’m free because of the blood he shed.”

So is it God’s will for you and I to suffer? Yes. Can we ask for him to change or relieve it? Yes. If he doesn’t? Then know that his power is working in you and he will work everything out for your good and for his glory. Romans 8:28

I hope this has given you guidance and hope. Indeed I hope it’s clear in its entirety.

Cling to Christ.

I’ll end this reflection with the words of Paul:

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31