Seeing the Perfect Will of God
I can truly say that for the first 28 years of my life, I felt no joy. I didn't know what true happiness was. Depression and day-to-day survival consumed my existence. I seemed to be looking for joy in every place except the most Holy place. I didn't know Jesus on a personal level. I knew I was saved, but I didn't have that intimate relationship with Him.
At one point in my life, by God's grace and mercy, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in an almost audible voice. He told me that if I did not lay down my own will and let Him lead my life, I would never see true joy or happiness. It struck me right between the eyes. I had been searching for joy in other people, in accomplishments, and in myself. I didn't know any Christians. I wasn't attending church regularly. How could I have known to look elsewhere unless the Holy Spirit drew me to Him? Over the years since my encounter with God, I have grown in the Lord by leaps and bounds. He is busy restoring all the years the locusts ate and the joy of His salvation. I have made my share of mistakes along the way, but the Lord gently guides me back on the path to seeing His perfect will in my life. No matter what point you find yourself in life, you can begin the process of finding His perfect will. Present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). The first step is to repent and turn away from any sin that we are involved in and dedicate our lives to His will. This means asking His help to give up ungodly relationships, addictions, sex outside of marriage, and anything else that is detrimental to our bodies. This also means giving up any notion that we can plan and run our own lives. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). There is no easier or better way to transform and renew your mind than to read the Word. If you don't know where to begin, start by reading a chapter of Proverbs each day. If you are not currently in a local church, try visiting one. Don't be afraid to reach out and get involved - God wants you to be in fellowship with other believers. These are the toughest decisions to make initially. Take your time in settling into a routine of praying, reading the Word, and setting your mind on allowing God to control your life. It may be scary to think of giving all the control away, but it's the only true way to get into God's perfect will. When you devote time to renewing your mind, God will begin to speak to your spirit and soften your heart. Slowly, you will begin to "hear" His gentle guidance. |
Don't be surprised if the process includes some painful cleansing of people and things in your life that are not pleasing to the Lord. But, let God take full control! The rewards are immeasurable!
The following are God's instructions on renewing your mind and spirit. Try to practice at least one each day (Rom. 12:9-21). You will be amazed at how the Holy Spirit will change your heart over time.
Remember that this process may take some time. I'm in my 6th year of this journey. I know that I am in God's perfect will today. I don't know what He has in store for tomorrow, but I've never been happier and more joyful, living in a daily dependence on Him to figure it all out. I didn't have this plan at the beginning, but you do. So start today and allow God to move you towards His perfect will for your life! Copyright 2005 From My Heart To Yours |
