Do His Will You Do Know
1 Step Closer: A monthly e-devotion from Abiding Savior in Killeen, TX
Do His Will You Do Know 5/2024
“… your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
At a 1980 Conference, Marti Ensign, told of bringing some Rwandan Pastors stateside for a seminar. During their free time, these ministers wanted to do some shopping. Though they were in a small town, Marti knew finding their way back might prove difficult in a foreign country. So, she gave them her phone number and explained there are phone booths on several corners. If you need directions, please, find one and call me.
An hour later her phone rang. An African Pastor apologetically said, “I’m so sorry we are lost!” Marti replied, “No problem at all. Lay the phone down. Go to the street corner. Find out the names of the two streets at the corner. Come back and tell me and I will come get you.” “Yes, madame!” Minutes later the Pastor returned to the phone and excitedly reported, “We are at the corner of ‘WALK’ and ‘DON’T WALK.’”
Are you there right now, at the corner of indecision? Is this the right move for us? Should I accept this job offer, stay working here? Give a friend another chance? Or just this evening a dear friend called informing me that his mother fainted while showering, hit her head, and less than 24 hours later was called home to heaven. Crushed in grief he asked, “What now?”
God’s will is elusive at times - a journey without Google. But when it is: FIRST, FALL TO YOUR KNEES. Prayer puts the prevailing power of God to play in our lives. God has given us the gift of prayer precisely for the purpose of becoming wiser in the choices we make. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). By far the best decision making happens from a kneeling soul.
DO HIS WILL YOU DO KNOW is also great wisdom when facing a crossroads in life. Attentive obedience to what God has already lovingly revealed often helps clear the head toward how to best go forward for Jesus. Consider these words from Christ at the end of his Sermon on the Mount, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who builds his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).
Imagine a Jew in Jesus’ day hearing those words and saying, “That’s all well and fine but I still wish I knew God’s will for my life.” A true friend might respond, “Really!? Were you listening? Jesus just told us, “Embrace a poverty of spirit. Admit your spiritual bankruptcy before God. Believe in his forgiveness. By his love let your light shine. Kill anger and vengeance. Replace worry with worship. Seek kingdom priorities. Trust him to elevate.”
Situational insight is valuable. But how often do we seek answers while neglecting to do what God asks of us in our current situation? And again, “hand on the gospel plow faithful living in the center of God’s will” often brings amazing clarity on how God is leading you “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3b). The Spirit came to Paul in faithful mission (Acts 16:6-8), to Peter in prayer (Acts 10:9), and to Jesus in baptism (Mark 1:9-11). In other words, God loves to hit moving targets. He will meet you in the middle of your present faithfulness. Are you at the corner of “WALK” and “DON’T WALK?” Perhaps begin seeking direction by prayerfully doing his will you do know.
Together with you humbly seeking God’s guidance,
Pastor Tim (1-210-837-3934)
