How do I know what God’s will is for my life? It is both an easy question, and extremely hard.
As for the easy– there are a few universal things that God wants for believers.
1) Salvation- He wants us to have a relationship with him, and for eternity
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” 1 Timothy 2:3-4
2) Great commission- He wants us to tell others about him. This is what he talked about after his resurrection from the dead but before He returned to Heaven.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 29:18-20
But what about besides that? Into the extremely hard section.
I have a couple of friends who have fostered, and have both stories of having a child in their home who goes back to birth parents, and then also successful adoptions, or some that are on that path almost 100% sure. I feel like that is something that God has called me to, but my husband doesn't. So am I wrong?
Here is what I try…
1. Asking God for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” James 1:5
2. Asking those I trust and who live godly lives for advice: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” Proverbs 15:22
I know his will is perfect, and in trying to hear from him I remember Romans 12:2 “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.”
3. Remember God’s timing. Mary and Martha thought he was too late to save Lazarus, but 4 days after he was dead was the time that God would get the glory in that situation. (John 11).
Proverbs 3:5-6 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.
4. Not take matters in my own hands. Remember that God promised Abraham and Sarah a son, but Sarah thought it would be a good idea to help God since she was too old, and then gave Abraham to her maidservant Hagar. Though God took kindness on Hagar and blessed her, God still wanted his promise to be fulfilled through Sarah. And she eventually did conceive. (Genesis 18-21)
So, now I am waiting, trying to have patience, knowing that God has a plan for me and my family. He will change my heart or He will change my husband’s. But God will get the most glory from however it turns out.
That doesn't mean that it’s easy. Or that my desire for another child in my family has lessened, but He reminds me that I get to help curb that need by my Sunday mornings, where I hold precious infants so that their parents may attend service or serve in another area.
As for the easy– there are a few universal things that God wants for believers.
1) Salvation- He wants us to have a relationship with him, and for eternity
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” 1 Timothy 2:3-4
2) Great commission- He wants us to tell others about him. This is what he talked about after his resurrection from the dead but before He returned to Heaven.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 29:18-20
But what about besides that? Into the extremely hard section.
I have a couple of friends who have fostered, and have both stories of having a child in their home who goes back to birth parents, and then also successful adoptions, or some that are on that path almost 100% sure. I feel like that is something that God has called me to, but my husband doesn't. So am I wrong?
Here is what I try…
1. Asking God for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” James 1:5
2. Asking those I trust and who live godly lives for advice: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” Proverbs 15:22
I know his will is perfect, and in trying to hear from him I remember Romans 12:2 “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.”
3. Remember God’s timing. Mary and Martha thought he was too late to save Lazarus, but 4 days after he was dead was the time that God would get the glory in that situation. (John 11).
Proverbs 3:5-6 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.
4. Not take matters in my own hands. Remember that God promised Abraham and Sarah a son, but Sarah thought it would be a good idea to help God since she was too old, and then gave Abraham to her maidservant Hagar. Though God took kindness on Hagar and blessed her, God still wanted his promise to be fulfilled through Sarah. And she eventually did conceive. (Genesis 18-21)
So, now I am waiting, trying to have patience, knowing that God has a plan for me and my family. He will change my heart or He will change my husband’s. But God will get the most glory from however it turns out.
That doesn't mean that it’s easy. Or that my desire for another child in my family has lessened, but He reminds me that I get to help curb that need by my Sunday mornings, where I hold precious infants so that their parents may attend service or serve in another area.