Knowing God’s Will

Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP) ¹¹ For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

It is comforting to know that he has good plans for us. A father never makes bad plans for his children. We make our own plans sometimes, but God may have a different plan. A better plan. His ways and thoughts are higher than our thoughts. It is only through His Word and direction of the Holy Spirit that we can walk in that plan on a daily basis.

Sometimes there is no answer in the bible for certain questions you have about your specific situation. The bible gives us moral directions. You never ask God whether you should gossip about someone, or steal something. When someone accidentally gives you more change at the register, do you return it, knowing they might get in trouble, or do you take it and say Thank You Jesus?

You don’t pray about those things. But there is no verse where it tells you exactly where to go in your situation. Example: Leave your church and go to another church, or quit your job and pursue full time ministry. These are non-moral, but very important questions that we all face concerning the fork in the road in your life. Your gonna have one this week. We make decisions all the time. About little things or big things. How to make a choice on a job, promotion, pursing education, leasing a car. Do these decisions have ramifications?

These decisions affect not only us, but our children, and the people around us. Most Christians don’t even think about it, they say, hey I got a brain in my head, I’m smart, I have experience,  Im gonna do what Im gonna do.  But that totally flys in the face of Scripture. The bible says God purchased us so He could direct our lives. If He doesn’t have a right to direct your life, then He didn’t purchase you.

What does it mean to belong to Him? That you go to church, or bible study?

No, it means that He rules and Governs in every part and decision in your life. He needs to govern us because He knows the plan.

Have you ever hit a brick wall?

1 Samuel  (AMP) 23 Then they told David, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors. ² So David inquired of the Lord, Shall I go and attack these Philistines? And the Lord said to David, Go, smite the Philistines and save Keilah. ³ David’s men said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more, then, if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? ⁴ Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand. ⁵ So David and his men went to Keilah and fought the Philistines with a great slaughter and brought away their cattle. So David delivered the people of Keilah.

A town was saved. Children were saved and families were spared all because one man listened and obeyed God.

Acts 16 : ⁶ And Paul and Silas passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Word in [the province of] Asia. ⁷ And when they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. ⁸ So passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. ⁹ [There] a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man from Macedonia stood pleading with him and saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us! ¹⁰ And when he had seen the vision, we [including Luke] at once endeavored to go on into Macedonia, confidently inferring that God had called us to proclaim the glad tidings (Gospel) to them.

Why wouldn’t God allow them to preach the Gospel? Isn’t that what we are all called to do?

Isaiah 9: ⁶ For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.

What is a counselor?

When we face a fork in the road, we need to consult the counselor. Sometimes you may not be equipped to do certain work. You may be called by man to a certain ministry because there is a need but God is calling you somewhere else. Other times the timing is not right. Something can line right up with the Word of God, but its not the right timing. Both of these things, peace and Word must be in place. Take some time to pray and consult the Holy Spirit.

 When David was running from Saul, he asked God for directions.

Paul wants to keep going further north, but the Spirit of God says “Don’t go”. Why no? How would he know it’s the Spirit of God says don’t go? And when he wanted to go to Bythynia, the Spirit of Jesus says DONT GO.

 God gave his life for you, you think he’s not going to guide you after dying for you? You may think God is not interested in that. But He is. Much like your children, you are concerned about everything about your child. You think God is less caring than you are. He’s interested in every day of your life. God know what’s around the corner, He’s been here forever.

 Most people just live life getting into problems, and then ask God to deliver them out of their problem, just to go into another problem. Why?

 We can’t figure out life on our own. God ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. They are higher. Better.

 Why don’t people go to the counselor?

 How do you get guided by God?

1. If you want to be led God, sometimes it will not make sense. It doesn’t always go by logic. Look at David’s example.
2. When you’re led by God sometimes people will tell you you’re crazy, even your family.

Sometimes it will make sense in the natural, but you might not have peace about it in your Spirit. Always pray and ask God for direction.

How does God give you directions? Most of the time it’s through a verse or scripture. This is why it’s important to study the bible daily. God is always speaking, but are we paying attention? Sometimes it’s through the still small voice. Sometimes it’s through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through a child speaking. You just know. The thing that’s behind all those things is this verse:

Colossians 3:15   (AMP) ¹⁵ And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Let the peace of God be the umpire (the decider). If you are familiar with baseball, the umpire makes the calls. The peace of God is what makes the calls in our lives in addition to His Word.

Remember these 2 things: 1. It has to line up with God’s Word 2. There has to be peace. Both of these things must be in place.