Questions:
Is God’s will meant to be “found?”
Is it mysterious?
Are we to search for his will, not making decisions about life until we’ve discovered it?
Answer:
I’m not sure.
Oh, I know. Profound. But as I’ve said a time or two before, I’m not one to have many answers these days.
This is why I jumped at the chance to review Kevin DeYoung’s new book Just Do Something, in audio book format from Christianaudio.com. I’m a big fan of audio books, being I don’t have many blocks of time to sit and turn pages, but I DO have a lot of time when my hands are busy but my ears are still available. When the narration is well done and the book isn’t too long–which were both true in this case–the situation is ideal.
They call it multi-tasking. I call it… survival.
Kevin DeYoung puts forth the premise of God’s will being straightforward, predetermined and easily understood: to love God with our whole hearts, serve him, obey him as outlined in his Word, and after that… to do what we like.
I wasn’t sure what I thought as the book began, being I’ve always heard Christian-ese conversations peppered with phrases such as, “Just pray about it,” “I can’t make a move until God shows me his will,” “I don’t get why I’m doing this, but God’s telling me to do it,” and, “I need to wait until I have a peace about this.”
Of course each of those have a grain of their own merit, being we are told to ask God for wisdom, we shouldn’t make decisions until we’ve figured out God’s will on a matter, and sometimes God’s way doesn’t make sense to us.
But, as DeYoung points out, many, many modern Christians are paralyzed by fear–albeit, fear with a good cause–of doing the wrong thing because it just might not be God’s will. They pause, searching, waiting to have “a peace” about a situation, or for some special revelation from God.
God’s will is seen as mystical, mysterious and something he expects us to search for endlessly. It’s as if, DeYoung describes, God is dangling his will in front of our faces, then playing hide and seek with it.
I don’t see the God of the Bible having a character that delights in tormenting his children after he tells them to obey.
Instead, DeYoung suggests, God has a definite will. But it’s much more concrete than we imagine. Throughout the Bible, God always connects direct statements about finding his will with statements about following his commands. He has asked us to obey the basic statutes given to us in his Word–to love him, to love others, to follow his principles and seek to become more like him. But he doesn’t tell us to live on an endless quest, trying, searching, hoping, always unsure if we’re doing the right thing–if we’ve found God’s will.
DeYoung tackles the hard stuff–jobs, marriage and personal responsibility with a clarity I’ve never heard before when dealing with the topic of “finding” God’s will. He offers the idea that God has given us clear principles in his Word to live by, and as long as we are obeying him in those areas and are seeking him, walking closely with him, we will have the wisdom needed to make decisions that are in line with God’s will. When we’re following his direct will, we can have any number of good possible options available to pursue, and any one of them could be God’s will–but that doesn’t mean that only one of them is God’s will.
My retelling may be clear as mud, though I have to say that this book definitely solidified answers to some questions I’ve had churning for several years regarding the way God works. I’ve been talking with various friends for years about the question of whether or not, when a person marries, those two are God’s one and only for each other. Is there really one person on the face of the planet for every other one person, and we are supposed to hope we find that person before we die, possibly in the general vicinity of our 20’s?
Um, I don’t think so.
God gives some pretty clear principles to live by regarding finding a spouse, and if the potential partner in question matches that standard he’s set and we, you know, like the person, then God gives the go ahead, and that person is now God’s will for us.
(Conversely, just because the person in question matches that standard, doesn’t mean that person must certainly be God’s will for us. Especially if we don’t like them. We also have to be sure we’re using God’s standard and not one we’ve concocted on our own or someone else has made for us… but that’s a rabbit trail I won’t head down today!)
In keeping with this school of thought, it would mean that perhaps we’re attributing too much to God’s will. We’re telling ourselves everything that happens must happen for one specific reason and that it’s always God’s perfect will. The fact of the matter is that we live in a world that has been corrupted by sin and sometimes bad things just happen. People make wrong choices. Other people end up hurt. To say that God specifically ordered all of those tragedies, catastrophes and difficult times would be a cruel theology.
Yes, he may ultimately use them for our good, but I don’t believe it’s all part of his perfect will that we’re just too human to understand. But that gets into the issues of God’s permissive will and his perfect will, which I’m simply too day-worn from packing boxes to tackle right now, especially when DeYoung already does it so succinctly in the book.
I don’t necessarily have it all thought out fully, nor do I think these ideas are flawless. I personally believe the will of God might just be one of those issues that is simply too high for our finite minds to fully comprehend on earth. So in the mean time, we use our minds to the best of our abilities and continue to walk closely with him.
What I will wholeheartedly agree with Kevin DeYoung on is the idea that we need to stop waiting around for God to suddenly speak audibly to us, or to necessarily give us a feeling of calm before making decisions. I know people who have waited around for years, trying to figure out “God’s will for their lives.”
With DeYoung, I say, follow Jesus and just do something.
What do you think? Is God’s will already laid out in scripture or is it something we’re to be on the lookout for?
Do we find God’s will or has it already found us?
Whether well-rehearsed or just tossing a thought out there, hash it out with me in the comments!
Jen says:
From the first sentence, the scripture Romans 12:2 came to mind…
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Yes, I believe God has a Perfect Will for everyone. We however, can go outside of His Will. This is where the “All things work together for the good of those who love Him” comes into play.
For example… It was NOT God’s perfect Will for me that I would sleep with a boyfriend before I was married to Adam. I disobayed what I knew to be true and left the covering of God’s Will. However, what Satan meant for evil God has used for good in that I can now minister to teens in a way that the “good girls” *grin* cannot. “I’ve been there. I’ve done that and got the t-shirt… now listen to how it stuffed up my life. Don’t think you’ll be any different.”
I agree that through the Bible, and through relationship with God we can figure out enough of God’s character to know what He would and would not approve of. I wouldn’t say “do as you please” though. That phrase makes me a little uncomfortable, though I can’t put my finger on why. You should read “Crazy Love” by Fransis Chan, if you haven’t already. I think you’d appreciate it very much.
I also think that sometimes you just have to “step out in faith” to use some Christianese for you… Sometimes he doesn’t say yes, sometimes it seems that He doesn’t say no either… sometimes there’s just silence, and you have to give it a shot, trusting Him to show the way. Sometimes, the answer is a door shut in your face. Othertimes, it’s flung wide open.
Soooo… I guess in summary… Yes. God has a PERFECT will for us. But, as humans, we stuff it up. It’s ok… it doesn’t surprise Him. He already knew that we would. He is able to still make it work for His glory… and that is the cool thing.
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January 27th, 2010 at 3:36 am
Nicole aka Gidget says:
Ashleigh, thanks. I SO needed to hear this. Guess I have a new book on the to-be-read pile. I might write a post on this and quote you. :)
In other news, you are leaving in a few short days and it is looking like we are not going to meet- bummer! I’ll be praying for you though as you move (forward in God’s will hopefully). :)
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January 27th, 2010 at 6:58 am
Leah says:
ahhh! I was so happy to see this post today, Ashleigh.. I was seriously just talking to my sister about this very thing the other evening! :-)
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January 27th, 2010 at 7:35 am
Musings of a Housewife says:
I absolutely agree with the premise of this book. I was fairly young when I heard God’s will explained this way, and it’s been very freeing. Doing God’s will is living in obedience to the commands set forth in Scripture. It’s not about who you marry or what job you take. Not that He doesn’t ordain all of that, but it’s not about “finding his will.”
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January 27th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Miriam says:
Yes, yes, yes! Several years ago, I struggled through the whole “finding God’s will” thing (you know, when courtship/betrothal was becoming popular (aka: “God’s will”). I came to pretty much the same conclusion that you shared here.
One thing I’ve noticed, in the area of finding a spouse and otherwise, is that those who believe in “finding God’s will” often use that to relinquish responsibility. They may be desperate for a spouse and find some whackily unsuitable person, but it’s “God’s will” so they marry anyway. Or they’ve screwed up their job or marriage, but instead of repenting or making amends, it’s “God’s will” they just quit it.
It’s almost the harder road to take to do “whatever” and be responsible before God for that choice. But I see that as how God intended for us to live!
Anyway, excuse my ramblings, and thanks for sharing–it is good for me to think on this topic again!
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January 27th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Ashleigh says:
@Jen, I think we’re basically saying the same thing. God has a perfect will, but sometimes we mess it up. I’m just not sure I believe that his will is going to be specific in every area. For example, say you’re trying to figure out God’s will on whether or not to California or Florida for vacation. Or, you know, Sydney or… wherever else Australians go on vacation. ;) If going to Florida means a week of drunken parties and sleeping with random folks, whereas going to California means a week of hanging out with good friends at the beach and sightseeing, then, clearly, God’s will would be to hit up California. BUT, if both places meant going to Disney with family, and there wasn’t anything in this vacation that would go against God’s principles or commands, I don’t believe we need to wait until we’ve heard a “go ahead” or “have a peace” to make a decision on a vacation. God did give us a logical mind for a reason. Of course, if there was something else wrong with going on that vacation in the first place–we don’t have the money or we go on vacation every week instead of getting a job–then THAT would mean it isn’t God’s will.
The same thinking would follow for every situation, whether buying a shirt, taking a job or finding a spouse.
This is where a personal relationship with God comes in and the need for a strong walk with him. We can’t hear God through his word (I don’t believe he speaks to us audibly) if we’re not spending time with him. We can’t hope to have his wisdom if we’re not asking him for it and learning his character and principles.
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January 27th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Ashleigh says:
@Nicole–I know! :( I’m sad.
@Miriam–EXACTLY, re:personal responsibility. I couldn’t go into it in this review, being it was already long, but DeYoung has a large section of his book dealing with that issue. It was one of the points that stood out to me most, as I’ve seen exactly what you’ve mentioned–and have probably done it myself a time or ten–citing God’s will on something I just want to do, because who would argue with God? And while I do believe God gives us emotions for a reason and we shouldn’t ignore our gut instinct, our peaceful or warm, fuzzy feelings shouldn’t guide our every decision. How often we make God (and, in this case, his will) into something that fits OUR image!
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January 27th, 2010 at 8:44 am
rhena says:
Well I agree with you on most of this, but have to say on the whole “having peace” thing I believe the opening of doors and closing of doors is His way of giving peace. We are going through this right now and so are a few others in my family and they have the philosophy of just sitting and waiting whereas we take every avenue possible and then wait to see if God keeps the door open or close and you be amazed at how many doors He has closed! But the ones lest open are being waited on to see what God has planned. So just because it sounds like a good idea or all your”emotions” feel right doesn’t mean its right! Before I go I will give you example of our situation: law enforcement was the choice desired with the whole heart and we exhausted every avenue possible and then we hit the waiting on the Lord well after waiting and waiting some He said No through closing EvERY door! It shocked us both but we knew it was a sign from God telling us it isn’t His will for eight now.
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January 27th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Samantha R says:
Hmm, this surely does hit “the spot” with me. I have often asked the same questions you have and wondered is there a way to know 100% ALL the time when something is God’s will? If so, what are the signs?
Kevin’s book sounds like a good one to read, if for no reason other than to make oneself think and ask and ponder and pray.
This also reminds me of something that another friend was talking about concerning a life decision…. I think I shall pass the link on to her, just for a good read anyway.
“God did give us a logical mind for a reason. Of course, if there was something else wrong with going on that vacation in the first place–we don’t have the money or we go on vacation every week instead of getting a job–then THAT would mean it isn’t God’s will.”
I agree!!
Like, I don’t feel the absolute necessity in praying about which toothpaste I should buy. Which is cheaper? Which is better for my health? It’s more about common sense and using the logical mind God gave us.
However, I should stress that sometimes our common sense needs to be overruled in some cases. Like trusting God in total faith even when you think something is impossible. I had to go through that with a money issue and dental stuff last year. My mind said “No way, will it happen; the money just isn’t there”… but… “God Said TRUST and BELIEVE, Have faith and wait and see!”
I chose faith over common sense and God’s promises were fulfilled.
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January 27th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Katie says:
One of our pastors once noted that nowhere in Scripture does it imply that when we feel “peace” about something, that means it’s God’s will. There’s a much stronger case to be made for getting up and doing what the Bible tells us to do – whether we are comfortable with it or not.
I really have no idea how to tell if something is God’s will – and I’m not totally sure that’s something I CAN know… maybe it’s just for Him to know. But I can do the best I can to follow what He has laid out for me – loving Jesus, loving others, and getting off my rear end to just serve Him. Somehow. Some way.
:)
Good stuff, honey.
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January 27th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Jessica says:
I have been thinking- and talking people’s ears off! about God’s Will and God’s Sovreignty heavily for probably the last year or so. I definitely want to check out this book. However for some reason I’m not entirely sure I can follow the reasoning of we have freedom to do what we please. Maybe its my struggles with legalism, but I will say I’ve seen on both sides where this argument could be used in the wrong context. I believe we have the Bible that tells us His Will on basically everything from raising children to our marriages and fincances, but there are times when things just don’t make any sense, but you can see God working. lol Maybe I’m getting God’s Sovereignty, God’s Will, and God’s plan confused, I think you’re right when you say our finite minds might not ever be able to understand this stuff!
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January 27th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Katie @ Heart Gone Walking says:
Ahhhhh, I so love this post and it sounds like I need to hear the book. This is something I’ve been pondering and struggling with over the past year. It first started after reading “Crazy Love” and then attending a Beth Moore event on Psalm 37. She spoke on how the Bible commands over and over to “do good” (vs. 3). God showed me that I will put off things (like getting involved in an inner-city ministry) because I don’t know if that’s *exactly* what God wants me to do. He showed me that there is NOTHING WRONG with wanting to serve and to just jump in and do some good!
Also, I loved this line you wrote:
“I personally believe the will of God might just be one of those issues that is simply too high for our finite minds to fully comprehend on earth. So in the mean time, we use our minds to the best of our abilities and continue to walk closely with him.”
Who am I to think I can figure everything out? If I’m trying to figure out every little detail, am I really walking in *faith*?
Oh, so much to think about. Great post.
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January 27th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Ashleigh says:
@Jen and @Jessica–I think the idea when the author says “do what you like” is that a true, abiding walk with God will produce a person who is in tune with him and his desires. It’s the whole thing I’m always talking about–he says he’ll guide us with his eye, but we have to be looking at him for that to work.
The slight problem I’m finding when I’m thinking about that theory is that, well, we ARE still humans with a sin nature, and since I don’t follow any sort of a gradual perfection doctrine, I don’t believe anyone will make the right decisions 100% of the time as long as they’re on this earth, no matter how close to God they are. So, yeah, I see your point.
Also, what does this mean in situations like what @Rhena described above, where people step out in faith and follow a path that seems right, but then it doesn’t work out? Would it mean that the person/people in question did the wrong thing, or that they “missed” God’s will? I can’t say I could go with that, especially knowing Rhena’s situation and that she and her husband HAVE been following the Lord and walking closely with him.
Hmm… angles to ponder. Thoughts??
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January 27th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Christine says:
Great topic! I’ve been ruminating on this very topic for awhile myself and I’m loving reading the comments!
We got a great sermon on this a few weeks ago from our pastor and I loved what he had to say. In relating the story of Paul’s trial before Festus (what a name!) in Acts 25, he explored this very idea. How do we know when we’re living into God’s plan, or destiny for our lives, and when we’re relying on ourself and our own choices. He didn’t answer the question entirely – that’s hardly possible no matter how well versed in the Scriptures someone is. But he basically made the point that it’s a both/and kind of question not an either/or.
Our choices, whether they are large and small, do matter. If they didn’t then sin would be a false construct and Christ’s death would be meaningless. But we also have to acknowledge that God has a purpose and a larger plan for all of his people, for his entire creation. We have to understand that our limited human understanding can’t begin to comprehend what that destiny is – I definitely agree with you there! I believe that by acknowledging that his ways are higher than our own, and earnestly seeking what those ways are about, we come to a place where we make choices and decisions that reflect God’s nature. I think it requires that we marinate ourselves in Scripture and understand it’s entire story.
You ask if God’s will is already laid out in Scripture or do we have to be on the lookout for it? Yes. I think the answer is that it’s both. God’s will is breathed onto every page of Scripture. But that doesn’t mean we find every single answer to specific situations in the pages of Scripture. But the purpose of the Word is to transform us into people with hearts like God’s. And when we allow that transformation to occur we become better equipped to recognize his purposes and make decisions that are in line with them.
Do we find God’s will or has it already found us? Yes. It found us the day Jesus died on Calvary. But how we each live into that remarkable gift of grace is going to be different for each one of us. Once we acknowledge that we’re part of God’s great plan of salvation we’re called to respond to it very different ways. But that same Scripture is perfectly sufficient for instructing each one of us God’s will for us, even given our vastly different talents, circumstances and personalities.
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January 27th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Kaylene says:
Definitely pondered this topic. Not sure I could really express my thoughts in an intelligible way, but suffice it to say, I find peace in knowing God is sovereign. No matter what, I think He’s pleased when I want to include Him in on my decision making.
Maybe the secret to actually knowing *for sure* what God’s will is, is knowing what it means to truly abide in Christ.
I have no answers, just thoughts.
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January 28th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Heather says:
Great thoughts…I too don’t have any answers. I agree with Kaylene…my greatest contentment has been found in simply abiding in Him. He quietly leads me when I am faithful in the little things. It’s when I try to *rush* my spiritual progress that I find myself in Peter’s shoes…sinking and drowning in issues not yet meant for me to lean unto my own understanding. And I yet I still do it, over and over :)
[Reply]
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:11 am