FIGURING OUT GOD'S WILL

When I feel close to God, it's usually based on my feelings. If I feel good about myself, then I think God is happy with me.

But now I realize that God won't love me any less if I do things that disappoint him. And, he won't love me any more, even if I become super-Christian and read my Bible all day and go to church every day. Those things are nice, but God's love isn't dependant on what I do.

What I do - is just stuff.

I used to feel good about my Christian life by knowing God's will, and doing it. But, if I'm being honest, trying to figure out God's will has been - well - confusing.  What is God’s will? Is there a specific job he’s chosen for me?  I'm a radio guy but what if his plan was for me to be an astronaut and I ignored him? 

Or, what about my wife?  There are 3 billion women in the world - was I supposed to date all of them to figure out which one was "God's plan"?  Or the car - the Jeep or the Miata - which one did he want me to buy? 

If God’s will is something I'm supposed to find, and figure out and not stray from, there is a 100% chance I'll get it wrong. And then what? I'm out of God's will if I bought the wrong car?

Some people pray about everything. I don't think that's how it works, unless you're giving thanks for everything.

Here's what I've figured out.  There is no specific car or woman or job. As long as I filter my choices as a Christian, knowing right from wrong, I don't think God cares. Maybe God thinks "If you love this girl, then marry her and I'll bless you. And, here are two excellent jobs that you'd be good at - you make the choice and I'll bless it".

I read in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to 19 -  Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

God’s will is Jesus - Jesus in us and Jesus expressed through us. If I think I need anything more than that, then I'd be saying that Jesus isn't enough.

That's God's will.