God's Choice or Chance

How do you determine God's will for your life. Do you go on your feelings; do you go on the circumstances you find yourself in; or do you look to God's Word for the final say on His will?

Many people make major decisions in their lives based on how they feel. And friends, feelings are probably the poorest determiner of the top three. "It can't be wrong, when it feels so right" has gotten many Christians into troublesome situations. Feelings are so dependent on present circumstances and can often lie to us about what is really true. We all have feelings and they are often legitimate barometers in our lives that should drive us to find truth where it really is.

Circumstances are also shaky determiners of God's will for our lives. They come and go and change often. They are the basis for feelings and we know that feelings can often lie to us. Based on where you find yourself right now and what has just happened or has happened in the past, you feel that God doesn't love you. You feel that He has abandoned you. You feel that life is not worth living. You feel isolated and alone. When circumstances leave you with feelings like these, be careful in what direction you choose to go. It could be disastrous.

The only true and never- failing way to really know God's will is to know His Word. It is clearer than most people would want to admit. When people say the Bible is too hard to read, they really mean that they don't like to read it or don't want to read it. The many versions of the Bible average out to about a sixth grade reading ability. Wow! What excuse do you come up with too often to not read His Word? To know His Word is to know His will. His Word will destroy lies. God has and will always love you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Your life is precious to God. His exceeding great and precious promises will always blow away the lies that the enemy of your soul tries to destroy you with.

Friends, one final word. Doing God's will is not like going to a grocery store. You know: like going down the aisles of The God's Will Store. Oh, blessings -- yes, I take some of that. Prosperity -- yup, I really want a lots of that. Grace -- oh, can't have enough of that. What's that there, sacrifice -- no, I'll pass. Suffering -- no, thanks. Generous giving -- don't need that right now.

Get the picture. Up North Wisdom says we have two choices: doing or not doing God's will. It's all or nothing. It's not ours to pick and choose. Make a commitment today. "Lord, with Your help, I am going all the way with you. I will read Your Word and I will live by Your Word. I choose everything you have for me. Thank You for forgiving me, Lord, when I fail and go my own way. I will not go back. The World behind me and the Cross before me -- no turning back, no turning back." Amen.