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Faced with a big decision, I was pleased when my pastor announced a sermon series on discovering and submitting to God’s will for our lives. I imagined that his sermon would include a clear path with numbered steps laid out for each person listening.
I sat in the sanctuary, anxiously waiting to hear Pastor Bob’s sermon on Five Easy Steps to Following God’s Will. Disappointment hit when instead Pastor Bob stood behind the podium, held up his Bible, and said, “I’ve read through this whole book multiple times, and I have yet to find the Book of Bob. You know, the book written just for me, the one that tells me exactly what God wants me to do every day of my life. It’s not there. And there’s no book like that for you either.”
Well, darn. I was really hoping for those five easy steps and that clear, well-lit path with neon signs from God that read, “Diane, go this way” and “Diane, accept this job.”
No such luck.
Without specific instructions, how are we supposed to fully commit to God’s will? Here are some ways that will help you find strength in surrender.
Ask God for Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5 (NIV)
- God wants to help us discover His plan for our lives. We can always go to Him for guidance when we need help to making a decision, and He promises to give us wisdom. Whenever we aren’t sure what God wants us to do next, all we have to do is pray and ask Him to give us the wisdom we need to make good choices.
Learn to Trust Him
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
- Trusting God isn’t always easy, but if we are to follow His will, we have to put our faith in Him. Remembering that God—our Heavenly Father—loves us and wants only the best for us makes it easier to trust Him and find strength in surrender.
Remember that God’s Plan is Good Because He Loves Us
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
- God has a plan for each of us, and oftentimes His plan includes doing things that challenge us or take us outside of our comfort zone. Sometimes it might seem easier to just do what we think is best and not worry about God’s will. But when we remember that His plan for us is a good, loving plan, it makes it easier to trust God and commit to following His will.
Practice Gratitude
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
- Being grateful means remembering that everything we have comes from God. He wants us to thank Him for the gifts He gives us. Being thankful, even when we face difficult situations, is part of God’s will for our lives. Thank Him for everything! It pleases Him and helps us feel more content.
Don’t Give Up
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)
- Committing to follow God’s will isn’t easy. It’s a life-long process, and we will need perseverance to stay the course. But reminding ourselves that God will reward our faithfulness is a great way to remain committed to His will.
Now listen to a short segment of this guided meditation from Abide based on Isaiah 30:21. Let God speak to your heart as you reflect on discerning God’s will.
Discovering and committing to God’s will for our lives can help us make better decisions and honor God. By asking God for wisdom, trusting Him, reminding ourselves that His plan is good, being grateful, and persevering through challenges we can find strength in surrender to God’s plan.
For more help learning about finding strength in surrender, check out the Abide app. Our 1500+ guided meditations, more than 400 Bible-based sleep stories, and daily devotionals all exist to help you walk more closely with God. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription.
Diane Stark is a wife, mother of five, and writer. She writes about the important things in life: her family and her faith.
