Am I Following God's Will?
Confession time!
It can be difficult for me to take the advice of others. In fact, sometimes I will even seek out affirmation over advice because I know it will be much easier to swallow.
My mom may critique an outfit down to the color of the thread if I ask her opinion, whereas it can be easier to just ask my husband who will always say, ”You look great, honey!”
If I send a blog post for revision to my editor, Erica, she will probably knit-pick it to death, whereas someone else would say, “This is great work!”
You get my point, it can seem easier and better for our ego to ask for advice from someone who will agree with what we have already decided, but this way of thinking doesn’t always lead to the best outcome.
Sunshine beaming through a field with text that says, "Do you ever find yourself using this tactic with God?"
Do you ever find yourself using this tactic with God?
There have been times in my own life when I have caught myself asking God for affirmation of what I have already decided is the best path instead of truly submitting to His will and guidance.
We can find a Biblical example of this in Jeremiah 42. The leaders and citizens of Judah approached the prophet Jeremiah one day with a request.
“Then all the commanders of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, came near and said to Jeremiah the prophet, ‘Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the Lord your God for us, for all this remnant because we are left with but a few, as your eyes see us that the Lord your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do.’” (Jeremiah 42:1-3, ESV)
The people were desperate to escape from their land which was full of violence and grief, and in this request, they were searching for the answer to the question, “Should we stay here or flee to Egypt?”
Their words seem sincere, but if we back up to Jeremiah 41, we can gain more insight into their true intentions.
“Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces with him took from Mizpah all the rest of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, after he had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam-soldiers, women, children, and eunuchs, whom Johanan brought back from Gibeon. And they went and stayed at Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt because of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.”
(Jeremiah 41:16-18, ESV)
A dark, foggy field with text that says, "You see, the people had already decided in their hearts what they desired."
You see, the people had already decided in their hearts what they desired.
They searched for God’s affirmation instead of His true will. When the answer they dreaded, that they were to stay and not go to Egypt (Jeremiah 42:10), was presented to them by the prophet, the people reacted with anger and disobedience (Jeremiah 43:1-4).
Their fear turned them away from the Lord and towards more pain, violence, and destruction.
Along with this example of seeking affirmation instead of God’s true guidance, here are 4 reasons why it is so important to truly submit to His will.
1. When we are living in God’s guidance, walking close with Him, and not living by our own desires, it makes it that much more difficult for the enemy to get to us.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7, ESV)
2. So that God’s grace and mercy will far outweigh our worries and cares.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)
3. It allows us to reflect to others how Christ lived, died, and rose again.
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from Heaven, strengthening him.”
(Luke 22:42-43, ESV)
4. Lastly, when we live in God’s will, we can be sure that we are living a life that is pleasing to Him.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)
My prayer for you today is that you will not be like the leaders and citizens of Judah in Jeremiah 42.
Do not let your own fear or desires drive you away from God and the amazing blessings He has planned for you down the road as you live according to His will.
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