It’s God’s Will
If in all of life’s journey, the smooth stretches as well as the rough, we could assess and conclude it’s God’s will; what peace, joy and comfort we would possess!
Unfortunately, we have too often been taught or influenced to believe that God is in the “good” and the “easy” but not so much in the “difficult” and “trying.”
However, one thorough reading of the story of Job will assure us that all his circumstances, both tragic and triumphant, were under the absolute control and dominion of God Almighty.
I know through the years I have often quoted Oswald Chambers. Perhaps some of you think My Utmost for His Highest is the only book, aside from the Bible, that I’ve read. I assure you, though I’ve read that classic book many times, I have read many others by various authors.
But once again, I find one of his quotes so timely and pertinent to the occasion of this letter.
“There is a distinct period in our experience when we cease to say – ‘Lord, show me thy will,’ and realization begins to dawn that we are God’s will, and He can do with us what He likes. We wake up to the knowledge that we have the privilege of giving ourselves over to God’s will. It is a question of being yielded to God.” (O.Chambers)
A thorough grasp of the essence of this quote could and should bring such peace and simplicity to our lives.
When scripture says, “Fret not thyself for tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:34) it actually means just that! When Paul writes to the church at Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6) he is encouraging believers to trust that their prayers offered in thanksgiving, minus anxiousness, will produce “The peace of God which surpasses all comprehension…” (Philippians 4:7).
Put simply, all we really have any control over is our relationship to Jesus. And if we are rightly related to Him, then wherever we are is where He has us. If we only feel we’re in God’s will when things are going “smoothly” then perhaps we might determine that we’re not in God’s will much of the time.
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me much of life is challenging, as scripture assures us it will be. Again, let’s look at Matthew 6:34. Some translations say: “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (NAS)
Wow, what encouraging words! Every day will have trouble! Try to get an audience for that message on the average Christian TV station. If that’s true, (and God’s Word says it is) then believing that trouble or difficulty can’t be part of God’s will, could only lead one to believe that every day we will be out of God’s will, at least to some extent.
How troublesome a concept!
Or we can believe that no matter what befalls us, as long as we are rightly related to Him we are not only realizing God’s will but as Chambers puts it, “We ARE God’s will.”
In Paul’s concluding remarks to the church at Philippi, he writes: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; and in every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4:12)
Then from the confinement of a Roman prison, guarded and restricted, he writes: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
To those who may have questioned the journey and circumstances of Paul’s life and ministry, and to those who may question the journey and circumstances of our lives and ministries, may it be clearly stated: It’s God’s Will!
“This is from Me,” the Saviour said,
As bending low He kissed my brow,
“For One who loves you thus has led.
Just rest in Me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,
Tho’, why perchance you cannot see-
Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss.
The thing I send is best for thee.”Then, looking through my tears, I plead.
“Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,
“Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread,
Each path before me here below.
And for my good this thing must be,
His grace sufficient for each test.
So still I’ll sing, “Whatever be
God’s way for me is always best.’”Author Unknown
In Christ,
Dallas
P.S. Linda continues to improve though it’s a slow, steady process. Please continue to remember us as well as our ministry in your prayers. We love you and appreciate you so much. May God bless you richly!
