THE WILL OF GOD
“Rejoicing always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
 
Situations in life can bring disappointments, which makes it hard to give thanks.  In these difficult times we are more prone to pray.  Could it be our lack of operating in God’s will that we find it hard to rejoice and give thanks in everything?
 
As we begin to grow spiritually, a question we frequently ask ourselves over and over again is: “What is God’s will?” This is a good question when we want to make the right choice in selecting our job, concerning marriage, in our ministry, and in decisions involving the complexities of life.
 
Have you seen individuals with a single focus on using their spiritual gifts and/or on carrying out their duties at the expense of their personal walk with God?  There is a confidence in knowing you are using your spiritual gift, or that you are in the job that God has approved.  Yet, there is a danger of becoming engrossed in what we are doing rather than what we are becoming.  It is all too easy to overlook what God has stated is His Will.  There are promises and benefits that we receive because we live in God’s will.
 
In looking at a few Scriptures stating God’s will, we learn what He desires for us:
 
  1. Our sanctification is God’s will; that is to be free from sin, set apart.   We are told to abstain from sexual immorality and to know how to possess our vessel (1 Thessalonians 4:3). These are everyday choices we make to abstain from evil.
     
  2. Our rejoicing is God’s will. We are instructed to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks. This can be done as we stay conscious of our relationship in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).  A daily choice.
     
  3. Our doing good is God’s will.  Doing good can put to silence the ignorance of foolish people (1 Peter 2:15).  Returning good for evil is our choice in Christ Jesus. 
     
  4. Our receiving what is promised is God’s will.  This will require our willingness to endure as we carry out the will of God (Hebrews 10:36).  Obedience is rewarded in the Lord.
     
  5. Our being in God’s family is God’s will.  Jesus declares that we can be His brother, sister, or mother by doing the will of God (Mark 3:35). This brings joy. 
While it is important to be in the will of God, it is equally important to do God’s will from our heart (Ephesians 6:6).  Let us live the Word by rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks always.  It is a sure way to live in the will of God.