what is God’s will – Be Still…

Mark 14:32-52 – At Gethsemane

Jesus knew what was about to happen. His soul was crushed. He wanted his closest followers near him during this difficult time. Our hearts should start to break, too, as we lament with Jesus. What Jesus endured, he did for you and me. Jesus wanted the suffering removed, and yet he said, “I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Jesus models for us such restraint in surrendering his desires to the will of God. This is one lesson we can learn simply from observing Jesus’ response to his situation. Praying for God’s will to be done should be our “go-to” as well. It’s even a petition in The Lord’s Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. Continue reading “Mark 14:32-52 – At Gethsemane”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You

^“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As believers, we’re always seeking God’s will for our lives. In in our head, we know God’s will is perfect, and we want to be living in it. The Lord’s Prayer even has a petition that says, “Thy will be done.” That’s what we pray for, but do we know what it is? Do you ever question God about it? And then we encounter a text like this, reminding us so simply.

Context: In Chapter 5, Paul is setting expectations for the Thessalonians about Jesus’ return. He wanted them to be prepared, even though nobody knows when that day will come. We are still waiting all these years later. Our memory text comes from Paul’s final words of advice. He speaks of how we should relate to others and how we should live our lives while we wait. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You”

Numbers 24:10-25 – God’s Will

Read Numbers 24:10-25

After all of that, Balaam received no reward from the king. That promise of riches was taken away when Balaam didn’t deliver the curse Balak wanted. The reward we receive is for doing good and having faith and trust in our God. I wonder if God extended that grace and mercy to Balaam as well.

We may not always understand what God’s will is for our lives, but we can clearly see here that it was his intention to protect his people Israel and give them victory over the people who would stand in their way. Even Balaam, an outsider, realized that and was used by God to further God’s will. Continue reading “Numbers 24:10-25 – God’s Will”

Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 – Good versus Evil

Read Ecclesiastes 8:9-17

Solomon’s laments are familiar to us. We have more than likely at some time in our life wondered why the people who lie, cheat, and do wicked things are alive and well, and even prosperous. Yet, our reward for doing good and striving to be more like Jesus has left us being abused by society while stretching every cent to pay the bills.

The evil one’s plan is masterful. He’s trying to make the grass look greener over on the other side, the wicked side. If we are experiencing oppression for our faith or just hearing of others going through such ridicule, the lures of the evil one can be enticing. That’s why it’s so important to stand firmly on the truth of God’s word.