Thursday September 12, 2013

Read Acts 13:1-3. Ephesians 2:8-10. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What’s the will of God for my life? What does God want me to do? What’s my role? Where does God want me to serve? What does God want me to be doing in the church and outside the church? What job does God want me to do?

 

Perhaps the biggest issue within the church today is a lack of knowledge concerning the will of God for our lives. I’ve heard hundreds, if not thousands, of believers ask this kind of question in relation to their work, their intended marriage partner, their service in the church, their schooling, their children… and so on and so on. It seems that though we know theology and possibly our Bibles well, we do not know the will of God for our lives.

 

Some people, like Paul, are fortunate to have God tell them what He expects of them and what He wants them to be doing. While the church at Antioch was fasting and praying and worshipping the Lord, the Holy Spirit made it clear that Paul and Barnabas were to be sent off on a mission to the Gentiles. However, few of us could claim to have such a direct word from the Lord. Few of us would know so clearly what God intends for us.

 

For those of us who have little or no idea about the will of God for our lives, Ephesians 2:8-10 gives helpful guidance.  You and I were saved by God’s grace so that we might participate in good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do. Even though we may still be in the dark about what good works we are to be doing, we can at least be confident that God has things He wants us to be doing. God didn’t save us for a life of idleness but for a life of good works.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 lists some of the good works we can be doing regardless of where we are in life. It is God’s will that we be joyful always. Being joyful means rejoicing in God and in our salvation no matter what is happening in our life. We are to be praying continually.  God wants to be included in everything we do, in every decision we make, in every word we speak and in every thought we think. God wants an open line of communication between ourselves and Himself. It is also God’s will that we thank Him and praise Him in every situation. Even if we are lost in the desert, God calls us to be praising and thanking Him.

 

Make a firm decision today to put 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 into practice each and every single day. As you do, continue to ask God to show you the specific will of God for your life.

 

If we faithfully practice the general will of God for our lives, we’ll be more apt to hear His specific will for our lives.

 

Prayer:

Write down at least one prayer point in each category based on the following verse.

Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Adoration:

 

 

Confession:

 

 

Thanks:

 

 

Supplication:

¥ Pray that both you and your fellow believers would know the will of God for your life and their lives. Pray that God would show each person what their spiritual gift is and how He wants them to be using that gift for the blessing of the body of Christ.

¥ Pray that the work of chaplaincy would bear much fruit in Harristown Public School and Glenvale Public School. Pray that many students and staff would come to know Christ through these chaplains.

 

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Do you think Xavier knows the will of God for his life?

2. How could he find out this will of God for his life?

3. What biblical counsel would you give to someone like Xavier who doesn’t know the will of God for his/her life?