My pastor preached on the will of God yesterday. It was a very good lesson. It reminded me that the will of God can be known. It is also clearly stated in the Scripture. I do not need to flounder searching for God’s will, although sometimes I still do. I just need to believe the Word of God.

I sometimes wonder if I am in the right vocation and if it is the “will of God”. As I look through scripture, vocation does not seem to be a big deal. I’m pretty sure that isn’t what is most important in being in the will of God. The Apostle Paul never said, “I am a tent maker by the will of God”. He did declare his position and authority in Christ that way though. “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1, ESV). Who I am in Christ makes a difference for whether I am in the will of God or not.

It is easy for me to get sidetracked and think that I should accomplish many tasks for God to be in His will. I should get a guest blog posted. I should teach at another event. I need to prepare another slide show. The tasks may be good, but they are not the goal. The goal is sanctification and obedience to God. “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:1–3, ESV). I need to examine myself to see if I am obedient and becoming more like Christ as He sanctifies me. This is the will of God.

One other thing that I should examine daily to see if I am in the will of God is my attitude. I do forget how important this is to my submission to God’s will for my life. My way of thinking is definitely a clue as to whether I am walking in God’s will or not. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV). This is an easy checklist to see if I am in a mindset that pleases God.

So today I will apply these principles. I am Shereen, a child of the Living God and friend of Jesus, by the will of God. I choose to do what I can in the power of the Spirit to be obedient to God and to please Him in all I do. I will allow Him to change my heart to make me more like Jesus, continuing the process of sanctification. My attitude will be centered in joy, trust in God, and thankfulness. In this way, I can know the will of God.