The will of God: myth or fact

MYSTERY. I prefer calling God’s will a mystery—otherwise, we would “box up” believers (in the name of unity), put everyone in identical uniforms, squelch diversity, and kill creativity. Created in His image is not synonymous with ‘be like the Joneses.’

Is it possible to TRULY KNOW His will?

THE BOOK of Romans chapter 12, verse 2 concludes with, “…that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” . . . THAT’S PRETTY CONVINCING.

SO WHERE IS THE DISCONNECT?
When we read Scripture and stumble across the exact phrase “this is the will of God,” do we skip lines until we find something we agree with? For example:

• “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
  All circumstances? Including terrorist attacks? Are you kidding me?
• Or, “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” Nope, that thinking is behind the times.

SMALL MINDED or sound minded?
Before we allow our puny human minds (that lack omniscience, eternal perspective, & perfect soundness) to overrule or dismiss any Scripture, let’s dissect the first 2 verses of Romans, but in reverse.

3. “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” ← Entirely new ideals and a new attitude.
BEFORE I can discern the will of God, much less declare it as good and perfect, I’ve got to spend time praying, reading Scripture in full context, and in the presence of the Holy Spirit—God’s change Agent.

2. “And do not be conformed to this world” ← its superficial values and customs.
BEFORE mind renewal is possible, I’ve gotta decide how serious I am about wanting to change. Is it worth sacrificing what I’ve always trusted in? Do I believe the supernatural God is more trustworthy than man’s earth-bound ways?

1.“Present your bodies a living sacrifice.” ← While you’re still alive (most sacrifices are dead). 
A DELIBERATE dedication of my physical strength & faculties, devoted and set apart.
Part of ‘not conforming to the world’ requires a decision that includes my body, aka temple of God.

Sucked into a religion or wooed into a relationship?

WITHOUT the supernatural understanding that comes from a renewed mind, we’re merely sucked into a religion with a dry, legalistic perception of Scripture. “I don’t commit adultery because the Bible says it’s a sin! I shall beat this wayward temptation out of me!” (Good luck)
BUT WITH a renewed mind, we begin to ‘think and feel’ as the Father does. “The very thought of committing adultery hurts my heart because I sense how it hurts Your heart. Oh, Lord thank You for my brokenness that keeps me reliant on You to live righteously. Keep my will entwined with Yours, Your good, perfect and pleasing will. Because You love me, and I love You.”

Which way of processing life sounds more alive? More peaceful?

I PRAY for courage to push through the fear and to plunge into the Presence of the Holy Spirit with a heart abandon to Adonai. May He wash over you with mercy and the joy of gladness, and that the joy and MYSTERY of daily breathing in the His Word will captivate your soul. A fresh renewal that aligns you with His perfect will.

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This is the day and the hour.
His arms are open wide to receive you
with unconditional love.

A Prayer of the Embattled Spirit

Amplified Version:

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].