One sweet reader commented on yesterday’s blog about knowing God’s will for her. My mind got rolling about the whole question of how to discern God’s will. Am I in it or out of it? His best will, perfect will, permitted will? Seem to be so many layers to it, and Christians can get pretty balled up into what it’s all about.
Then this verse came to mind. “…present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1. The idea is that of a Roman soldier. He reports for duty every morning. Once he reports, he has made his decisions for the day. The commanding officer tells him when to eat, what to eat, what work to do, when to go to the bathroom, and when to go to bed. It’s very simple! That may sound awful, that your choice is gone. But consider this: your commanding officer is Jesus; through whom we can do all things as He strengthens us; in whom we live and move and have our being; who loves us like nobody else ever could. He gives us life.
Put that way, I’m willing to follow Him anywhere! Put that way, I see that He protects me from unseen and unknown enemies. He cares for me in every possible way. He knows my ins and outs, my comings and goings, and He directs me specifically. He longs to protect me like a mother comforts her baby and a hen protects her baby chicks. He has great plans for me, to give me a future and a hope. If I wrap myself around Him, I will soar like an eagle, flying where I could never fly by myself. All I have to do is abide in Him (rest, dwell, be). Who could argue with a commanding officer like that?
As for God’s will, I already know God’s will. It is to report for duty — and then follow him for joyride of my life!
Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:13; Acts 17:28; Isaiah 66:13; Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 40:31; John 15:4.
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