What is God's Will for My Life?

What is God's will for my life?

Confusion and uncertainty about the course of your life can be a major source of fear and anxiety.

Those moments of feeling stuck in a rut and totally lost are something I have been all too familiar with. The days come and they go with endless things to do, and it hits me at times… what is the purpose of all this?

If you’ve felt that way before or feel that way even now, let me tell you that you are not alone. It can feel like the days, months, and years will go by so quickly and it makes you wonder what you’ve been doing all this time. There are many times I’ve stopped to ask God, what am I here for?

What is God's will for my life?

The good news is that when you ask that question in faith, knowing that He wants you to know his desires for you more than you want to know them, the answers will come in His divine timing.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” Psalm 143:10

 Today, I want to give you insight into biblical stories (events) that show what to do in the meantime while you wait for the revelation of His plans for you.

I want you to think about all the biblical characters that God had a big plan for (Abraham, Moses, Joseph, even Jesus). A common theme I see in the lives of these faithful ones is that there was a period of abiding and being faithful to occupy in the waiting.

Abraham, the father of our faith, was required to wait decades for His promise of Isaac. Moses spent forty years in the desert seeking the Lord before God told him what to do with his fellow Israelites. Joseph had to endure slavery and years of jailtime while he awaited God’s ultimate purpose. Jesus spent thirty years abiding with the Father before His ministry began.

As humans, we hate waiting. We want the big plan now. But our loving Father knows that with His ultimate call for our lives comes immense responsibility and promised persecution. With the call of God on our lives, there is also a target for the enemy. If we knew everything now, we would not be able to handle it- that’s grace!

So, my question for you is what are you doing in the waiting?

What things in your heart need to be pulled out or transformed?

I can tell you that walking in God’s calling requires being dead to ourselves (our flesh). He’s got big plans for each of us that require adeptness of walking in the spirit. This requires less of us and more of Him and becoming in his likeness.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

How you react to persecution, rejection, and criticism will be a major indication of your readiness for God’s calling. Your willingness to sacrifice fleshly desires in exchange for a ready and willing heart will also be a determining factor. These things matter to God and He will test obedience before placing anything on you that you cannot handle in the flesh.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3

I can also say with certainty that for most people, this process of dying to the flesh takes years… and years. This is a training period! So, what are you doing during this training period?

As you ask the vital question, what is God's will for my life, I would also ask: what do I have that God can work with? What am I putting my hands to at this very moment that he can bless?

Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom raising little disciples. Maybe you’re working at a retail store or a restaurant. Perhaps you have a small business- whatever the case may be, what are you learning now where you are, and how are you putting obedience into practice where you are? It doesn’t matter if you’re cleaning toilets or running a large company, the goal is to honor and glorify God in everything  we do.

Are you truly working as if you’re working for the Lord? Are you treating people with kindness, taking no offense at those who are dishing offense out, and are you walking in honesty and love? Are you glorifying God in what you are currently putting your hands to?

As you are in the waiting period, remember you are training for God’s plan for you. Take note of how you respond to people who treat you unfairly. Take note of fear or anxiety that may show up. These are things to work on and work through as you abide with God and wait for His ultimate plan to show up one step at a time.

But in this waiting, it’s vital to stay connected to the vine, to ask God to reveal what things in you need to change. Seek first His kingdom- then you will have what you truly desire because your heart will be for God and not for yourself. It is at this point, that you will be prepped and ready to walk in your purpose.

Practical tips for exploring God’s purpose for you:

1.      Consider the desires God has already placed in your heart. Write down the things that give you true joy and fulfillment (which are different from temporary feelings of excitement and happiness). Write your desires down and pray for God to show you how to fulfill them.

2.      Consider the talents and gifts God has given you. Also think about the times when people told you that you have a knack for something. Do not ignore these or engage in false humility. God has endowed each of us with unique abilities- take note of them and thank God for them, asking Him to show you how to use them for His glory.

3.      In your quiet time with the Lord, pray about His desires for you. In these times, I always have a notepad and pen to write down the thoughts that come to my mind. I have had many “ah-ha” moments in my prayer closet. This is a time for you and God to talk about more of what He wants for your future versus what you want in the immediate.

4.      Be patient when you don’t get an answer right away. In the quiet times when you do not hear anything specific, do not get angry or fret. God WILL show you- keep your spiritual eyes and ears open to receive the answer when it comes. Look for opportunities!