God's Perfect Will

I am in the midst of too-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it, but I didn't want this week to go by without some fresh encouragement at Gathered Chick.

A dear and trusted friend forwarded this devotional to me. I found it very helpful - I hope you do, too.

God's Perfect Will

Much of our Christian walk seems to involve searching for God's will. We
search for His perfect will for our job, home, school, church, and
relationships; and we're often frustrated because God seems silent
regarding the details of our life. But God is not silent! His Word
reveals much of His will, and a large portion of His will for our life
today is the same as for every past generation.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for
this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

We often gloss over such passages, thinking we already understand and ought
to search for "deeper" truths. But in God's plan for us to be "conformed
to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29) there is no greater challenge to
our faith. Do we really believe God is in control? Does our life - our
attitude - reflect this belief?

Our Heavenly Father desires us to live each moment with a thankful heart,
full of joy - regardless of our circumstances. Why? Because this reveals
our trust in a loving God. He wants us to continually commune with Him in
prayer and refuse to leave His presence to pursue concerns or pleasures of
the world. This portion of God's will has been clearly revealed!

Some are facing situations today which make following this portion of God's
will very difficult. They see absolutely no reason for rejoicing and can't
understand how God can be directing their path. How is it possible to
remain by His side when being pressed down from all directions and when the
pulls of the world seem relentless?

We must begin by viewing our life from an eternal perspective rather than
the temporary nature of the world; "The world and its desires pass away,
but the man who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17). All our
trials will soon be gone (do we really believe this?). God is in control
and, in the end, ALL will glorify His name; "In all things God works for
the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). As we trust and love Him
with all our heart, He works ALL things for the good - no matter how bad
our situation may appear or how difficult it may be to understand His
plan. He IS in control! This level of trust is what Paul referred to as
"the secret of being content" (Philippians 4:12).

There are certainly times when God will give us very specific direction,
but perhaps He's waiting until we follow His general will for our
life. Let's come before Him today with a thankful and loving heart. Let's
enter His presence and refuse to be taken away by circumstances which will
soon fade. Let's trust Him without compromise and joyfully walk each step
by faith according to God's perfect will.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

*****************************************************
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive08.htm