What is God’s Will for My Life?
Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI
Biblical Authority Ministries January 4, 2024 (The Tenth
Day of Christmas)
Many ask this question—sometimes multiple times in their
lives. Did you know that God answers this question directly?
“For this is the will of God,
that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1
Peter 2:15, NKJV
God wants you to do good. It’s that simple!
And yet, you are probably still thinking, I get that but what
about my specific life. What am I supposed to do? You might be thinking this
with regards to a job, or a relationship, or a financial decision and the list
goes on!
You might be thinking that God “type casts” each one of us to do one thing and has only one path laid out before us that is “in His will” and if we deviate from that path, then we are not following God’s will for our lives. After all, God is sovereign (in charge) and if we go astray in a direction that He doesn’t want us to go, then are we fighting against God?
Stop for a moment and realize something profound. That kind
of thinking limits God to being mechanical with only one option for your
life—like putting something into a machine and only getting one result out of it.
Step back and realize that God is all knowing (called “omniscient”)—which means that He knows every possible path we could take or think. God can easily work out His sovereignty and Lordship with the liberties and freedom that God has created us with and given to us. And yet, He knows what we decide before we freely endeavor it.
Now get this—the next verse after 1 Peter 2:15 says: “as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God” 1 Peter 2:16, NKJV.
God comments on us having a freedom (i.e., liberty)—not to
use that freedom to sin with vices—but as servants of God (see also Galatians
5:13). We are given a freedom to follow God but not in a mechanical way or a
typecast way (2 Corinthians 3:17). This makes sense, we are made in the image of
a free and good God. In fact, God is the absolute standard of goodness.
There are other passages where God consistently affirms that
we are to do good. Consider:
- “I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor — it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, NKJV
- “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16, NKJV
- “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21, NKJV
God is consistent throughout the Scriptures that we are to
do good. Let’s get a little more specific how we do good in a broad
sense of Scriptural teachings:
- To
Know and Love God
God is a personal God and mankind is made in the image of this personal God. Therefore, God desires a personal relationship with man—that includes you (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). This involves recognizing Him as Creator (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6), worshiping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), and acknowledging His sovereignty and rule (i.e., the Lordship of Christ over all things; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 18:18). - To
Be Saved Through Christ
God’s will is for all to come to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:4; John 3:16-17). This includes all coming to repentance from sin (2 Peter 3:9) and faithfully trusting in Jesus, and His death, burial and resurrection, as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 17:30). - To
Obey God’s Commands
God calls us to live in obedience to His Word. This includes loving others (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35), walking in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), and living justly, mercifully, and humbly before Him (Micah 6:8). - To
Be Transformed Into Christ’s Likeness
God’s will is for us to grow spiritually, being conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Thus, one should mimic God’s goodness. This transformation, called “sanctification”, is the work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:13), leading to maturity in faith and good works (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:10). - To
Share the Gospel
God desires us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). This is done by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ which is central to fulfilling His will for man (2 Corinthians 5:20). - To
Endure in Faith
Like Job in the Old Testament, God’s will is for us to persevere through trials with faith and gratitude—being joyful that you face such opposition, slander, and hate (James 1:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). As Christ suffered the same (e.g., Matthew 26:60-61). Suffering and challenges are opportunities for growth and reliance on God (Romans 5:3-5). - To
Glorify God in All Things
Ultimately, God’s will is that everything a person does brings glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). This includes living in harmony—for your part—with others (Romans 12:18) and stewarding His creation responsibly (called “dominion”; Genesis 1:28-31).
God’s will as revealed in Scripture is for individuals to do
good. Since God is the standard of goodness the more you know about His
Word, the more you’ll understand His will to help you make decision based on doing
good, for your specific life. But do good—that is God’s will whether
it is a decision about a job, a relationship, sports, a financial decision or simply
being a friend and kind to those who need it.
In a way, this door to freedom in your life is comforting knowing that you are not cast to do one thing alone or have only one path carved for you. But have the freedom and opportunity to do many good things throughout your life.
But in doing good be sure to know Christ, be saved through
Him—living obedient and holy lives, reflecting Christ’s character, sharing the
gospel, persevering in faith, and glorifying Him in all that you do.
