We do not know when our lives will end here on earth. Plans almost always end up changing. Look at the year 2020. We all never expected to wear masks everywhere, stay at home, or, for many, loss of income.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;” whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:13-17).
We are not guaranteed tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1), and God’s will is what He has for us — not what we have for ourselves. We are not the authors of our lives. All in all, we blindly trust. We use the faith that God has given us to trust that His will is perfect.
What do you think that God’s will is for you? In many instances, we all search for His will in many things and places. It is certain that God’s will isn't in things or places, but it is through seeking Him (Proverbs 8:17).
Seeking God seems daunting, but in reality, it is so simple. We make seeking God and His presence so complicated that we miss what God is actually doing in us. The same thing can be said for seeking the will of God.
We focus our attention on minuscule things like finding the right worship song to “feel” God with us. The Bible says that “God will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). In Hebrews 13 it also says, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Fear is usually the driving factor in leading us to doubt God’s will. Therefore, we go about searching for our will for our lives. God has not given us a spirit of fear, (2 Timothy 1:7). So, let us give up our own wills and trade them for God’s will.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-8).
I can contest even for myself that I have prayed or have stated “if the Lord wills” with doubts attached. Doubting is definitely not the will of God for us. Maybe there were situations in your life that contributed to doubting even though you want so badly to believe in faith.
Jesus said, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).
All we need is a little bit of faith. But remember that doubting is not the will of God for you. Doubting has no place in your mind, your words, and in your life.
Let’s talk about control. I have had dreams about cars driving themselves, and I remember always being terrified that I would crash because I’d have no control. Tesla is one of the most popular electronic, self-driving vehicles today.
Personally, I don't think I would be okay with a self-driving car as I am not in control. It brings about a new meaning to Carrie Underwood’s song, “Jesus take the wheel.” But what I am attempting to say is that sometimes we have to let go of control, even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed.
You see, faith is one of the major attacks the enemy pursues. The enemy gets you to believe in fear, and that your faith means nothing. Let me give you a secret weapon. That weapon is God’s Word.
Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” So, God’s will isn’t about what we think or feel. The principle here is to have faith, always. Have faith that God will lead you to His will.
When we say, “Lord willing,” let’s say it with faith with no doubting. Trust in God’s plan and stop worrying about tomorrow, (Matthew 6:34).
Father, I thank you for this opportunity to write about Your will, faith, and trust. I pray that everyone who is struggling to understand their will that You have given them will let go of control.
I pray for those that have very little faith left that will hold onto it without letting doubt cloud their minds. I thank you, God, for saving us and giving us life in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For further reading:
Is Saying ‘If it’s God’s Will’ Biblical?
Can We Argue with God’s Promises?
How Do We Seek First the Kingdom of God?
Why Has God Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear?
Fear Not! 25 Bible Verses to Remind Us God is in Control
Can a Christian Doubt God and Still Have Faith?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Tinnakorn Jorruang
Rebecca Mashburn (Gordon) has a wonderful husband named Joseph. She has a blog, Trust. Lean, Seek and is working on becoming what God is calling her to. She has a bachelor's in psychology and hopes to one day pursue a degree in biblical counseling. Rebecca loves to be in nature, especially in springtime, and she loves to travel. She has a loving family and hopes one day to have children of her own.