Creator, Father, King #135

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

AT THE START OF today’s devotion, just so we’re all on the same page, does everyone agree that cutting open sheep and examining their livers for mystical signs about the future is

• pretty creepy,
• really kooky and completely useless, and
• a pagan practice that’s abominable to the Lord?

(Just nod your head yes.)

Good. Glad we’re all in agreement on that.

We joke about this ancient practice of extispicy—or divination, as the Bible calls it—but it shows the lengths people went to throughout history to discover the will of the gods.

For the last three days, we’ve been discussing God’s will in broad terms. Now, it’s time to get more detailed. After all, everyone has wondered how to apply God’s will to specific questions, such as, “Should I date this person?” or “What career path should I take?” or “Is it morally okay for me to watch this movie?”

Let’s discuss!

What’s It Mean?

When you wonder what God’s will is for you in a specific situation, your first step should always be to pray. Seek God’s wisdom prayerfully in faith, and he will answer (James 1:5-8).

Next, apply biblical wisdom. Even when God’s Word doesn’t specifically address a particular situation, you can always trust the general principles found within Scripture to keep you in God’s will. For instance, movies obviously didn’t exist when Scripture was being written, but if you’re wondering if you should watch a film filled with inappropriate sexual content and vulgar language, God’s Word has plenty to say about setting your mind on righteousness, not worldliness (e.g., Psalm 101:3; Colossians 3:2; Ephesians 5:3-14). Biblical discernment often leads to the discovery of God’s will in specific situations.

Also, it’s vital to keep in mind the truth of Romans 12:2 (yesterday’s verse of the day). To truly know God’s will, we must allow him to transform our minds from craving earthly passions to desiring heavenly things. It will become easier for you to discern his will in specific situations as you develop the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Lastly, God’s Spirit will guide you into his will, if you walk humbly before him. This is part of the sanctification process—being made more like Jesus.

Now What?

Matthew 6:10 reveals what your attitude should be in prayer and life regarding God’s will. Read it!

Did You Know?

Even when “we don’t know what God wants us to pray for,” God’s Spirit intercedes for believers “in harmony with God’s own will” (Romans 8:26-27). Incredible!