We often see God’s will as a program He will roll out for us. This view emphasizes the need for a technique to help us discover the details of that program as we move from one big decision to another. For example:
· Should I marry this person or not?
· Should I accept this job offer or wait for another one?
· Should I move to this city or that city?
It is far better to see the will of God as a process rather than a program. Doing so emphasizes developing a close relationship with God instead of following some all-purpose technique.
Who we are takes priority over what we do.
The Bible concentrates on our need to draw near to God (James 4:8) but says little about methods of determining His will. His Word is not a how-to-do-it manual but a who-to-know guidebook.
God will not be manipulated by impatient demands and magical formulas. Instead, our paths will be lit by our growing and trusting relationship with Him.
Marriage as a Mirror
Knowing God’s will centers on developing a relationship with Him. But what kind of relationship?
In some relationships, we just want to be told what to do. In others, we want to get approval for our predetermined plans.
Our relationship with God is more like the joint decisions reached by a married couple who enjoy mutual concern, respect, and trust. Both spouses are involved, and it is almost impossible to distinguish the part each played in the process.
Similarly, the will of God is a divine/human process—not solely divine nor solely human. When we acknowledge His presence and depend on Him in our decision-making, the choices are ours and His.
God’s will, then, is not an end so much as a means of knowing Him better. It is about becoming more like Jesus in our day-to-day encounters.
A Subtle Voice
James Jauncey wrote that “God never burglarizes the human will.” He longs to help us but “will never cross the picket line of our unwillingness.”
God honors our choices and desires us to love Him without being forced. He does not overpower or coerce us.
God often speaks subtly. He did so with Elijah in the Old Testament. The book of 1 Kings tells us God spoke to the prophet not in a strong wind, earthquake, or fire but in a “gentle blowing” (19:12).
We may not hear God when there are too many distractions in our lives. Just as we would have trouble carrying on a telephone conversation in a room full of blaring music and chattering people, the clamoring voices of selfish desires, lack of submission, pride, independence, and unforgiveness keep us from perceiving God’s quiet voice.
Philip Yancey wrote that God supplies “real help” while not stamping out our freedom. “Most times,” Yancey writes, “[God] guides in subtle ways, by feeding ideas into our minds, speaking through a nagging sensation of dissatisfaction, inspiring us to choose better than we otherwise would have done, bringing to the surface hidden dangers of temptation, and perhaps by rearranging certain circumstances.”[1]
Day 3 Scripture Readings:
1 Kings 19:9–15
Psalm 37:23–24
Psalm 73:23–24
[1] In Yancey’s Grace Notes: Daily Readings with a Fellow Pilgrim (January 16 entry).