Tough Question, Tough Answer

How hungry are we to know God's will? How many times have we said, or heard someone else say, "If only I knew what God wanted me to do, I would do it"?

There are numerous books on how to determine God's will in our lives. Right now there are a lot of high school seniors wondering which colleges to apply to and which major to choose. Or perhaps you are struggling with whether to stay in your current situation or switch to another. Whatever it is, do we really, really want to know His will?

I am reading a fascinating book by Henry and Melvyn Blackaby entitled Experiencing the Spirit. Here's what made a huge impression on me.

"Our relationship with Christ is the key. We must know Christ well enough that we already know our answer before He tells us the assignment. The more you know Him the more the answer to any assignment will be 'Yes, Lord'."

Let's think about what the authors are challenging us to consider. Without knowing God's will, can we truthfully say to God, "Whatever You ask me to do, I will do it"? Or, "Whatever college You want me to attend, I'll go there." Or, "God, if You want me to quit my job, I will."

The authors point out that we must not look at our talents, our personalities, or our desires in order to determine if we will obey God or not. If we really understand who He is, and what His word says, then we must rely on His supply for all our needs in every assignment. He's simply looking for a heart of obedience.

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Is He really Lord of our lives, or do we merely obey when it's convenient and within the scope of our abilities? Or our bank account? Or when it's not too much of a stretch?

The authors challenge the reader with the notion that perhaps God may choose not to reveal His will to us in a certain situation because He already knows our heart is not one of obedience in that area. Could it be His mercy to be silent? Could it be His mercy to withhold the knowledge of His will because it would be better for us not to have known His will rather than to know it and then choose not to obey?

I am struggling with some decisions right now. Maybe you are, too. I want to know God's heart on each decision. After reading portions of this book, I am challenged to say, "Yes" to God, before He even tells me what His will is. I want to be stretched to new levels of spiritual maturity. How about you? Is anything too hard for God?