Prayer Journal
Saturday, August 26, 2000
What is God's will for your life? When it's all said and done, will you be able to look back and see that you lived your life in a way that pleased God?
God's "will" is something talked about most by those with the least understanding of what it really means. Paul wrote the following to the church of the Thessalonians concerning the subject: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:16-18
"Now just hold on a minute!", you may be thinking. "I thought you were talking about how I lived, worked and invested my life when you spoke of God's will." I am. Listen how God wove His will through Paul's life:
Many think that 1 Thessalonians is the first letter Paul wrote. As he concludes the letter, he urges them to make joy, prayer and thanksgiving the dominant part of their lives. In doing so they will be obedient to God's desire for them. But what do you think Paul would come to realize was God's call in his life? Let's look at what many think is the last letter he wrote:
"And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." 2 Tim 1:11,12
Do you see it? Paul said he was called to suffer in order to be what God called him to do. Let me put it simply for you:
God's will was for Paul to take the message of God's love and salvation to the Gentiles. On his way, Paul was flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, marooned at sea, constantly on the move, in danger of bandits, rivers, cities of Jews, Gentiles and Christian impostors. He went without food, sleep, was cold and naked and suffered the stress of supporting many churches. (Cp: 2 Cor 11:23-29)
What was the result of God's will being worked out in Paul's life? Most of the new testament is Paul's writing. Just where would we be today without his writing to the church. What if Paul had simply said, "I will go to the synagogue on the Sabbath, give my tithe, obey the law and listen to preaching, telling people I'm a Christian if they ask"? It's time to understand that God's will for Christians is to SERVE, not SOAK!
Why don't you begin today? Ask God to show you his will. While you're waiting, be joyful, always praying and thanking Him for everything - including your distress. After all, is this not how you show the world you're a believer and show God you're listening to Him?
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
