DELIGHT IN GOD’S WILL, NOT DREAD IT (Article)

DELIGHT IN GOD’S WILL, NOT DREAD IT (Article) by Pastor Shah (Clearview)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 

Some people have the wrong idea that they have to discover God’s will for their lives, as if He has hidden it somewhere. Others have the false idea that if they submit to God’s will, then He might lead them to a miserable life—they may have tolive in abject poverty or be forced to go on the mission field to some God-forsaken place; they may get terribly sick and even die; or they may lose a relationship or someone very special in their life. Nothing is further from the truth! All the above are the enemy’s scare tactics to keep us from receiving God’s best for our lives. When we come to God and seek His will for our lives, Romans 12:2 promises us that His will is good, acceptable and perfect. Here’s how–

First, “do not be conformed to this world.” This does not mean that we should move to some remote desert and avoid modern technology, scientific inventions, fashionable clothes, or musical styles of our time. Primitive Living is not necessarily Godly Living. What it does mean is that we shouldn’t conform to the values of this age. Here’s a list of some of these values—God is not the center and focus of your life; the Bible is not the final authority in your life; you don’t have tobe grateful to anyone; whatever feels good, do it; there are no rules for sexual behavior; get rich at any cost; do whatever you can to get ahead; and so on. If we want God’s will, we have to reject these values. Are you allowing the world to squeeze you into its mold?

Second, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Along with rejecting worldly values, we have to allow the Holy Spirit to re-program/re-format our minds to the truth of God. He does this every time we read God’s Word and hear God’s Word. He teaches us the difference between right and wrong. He gives us biblical convictions regarding morality and life choices. Based on this new information, we are expected to be transformed = “metamorphosis.” Meaning: Wehave to change the way we walk, talk, think, and act. Truth without Change is a Couch Potato. Is there a noticeable change in the way you think and live?

Finally, “that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The benefit of rejecting worldly values and applying godly truth is that you are able to “prove” the will of God. Some people are waiting to “discover” God’s will in—Who to marry? When to go back to school? What career to choose? What financial decision to make? Where to live? How to rear their children? If you are one of these people, you may be waiting forever! Here’s the truth from Romans 12:2—when you reject the values of this age and apply the truth of God’s Word, you are already in God’swill. Can you imagine an apple tree wondering—“What kind of fruit does God want me to bear? Which colour apple will it be? Green, yellow, or red.” Of course not! When the conditions are right – right soil, right sunlight, right water –the tree will prove by its fruit what colour apples it bears.

Someone might object – what if I make a mistake? Let me ask you – If you reject worldly values and obey God’s Word, will He allow you to go off a cliff? And, even if you miss a step, does He not promise “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

Begin today by receiving Jesus as your Savior, which is God’s first will for your life (II Pet. 3:9). And, as God told the people of Israel—“You have circled this mountain long enough.” Go forward and prove His good, acceptable, and perfect will for your life.