Monday Morning Encouragement - Knowing God's Will

 


"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


Greetings Cottage Friends,

Do you ever struggle with knowing God's will for a particular circumstance in your life? Perhaps regarding a job, a home purchase, or some other major decision. Of course, we can pray for wisdom from God in helping us to make the right choices. James 1:5 exhorts us in this manner, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

However, I want to suggest this morning that we can know from scripture what God's will is for us all the time. As today's scripture verse tells us, we are to rejoice in knowing Him in all situations. Stay in constant communication with Him throughout the day (we don't have to be on our knees with heads bowed to talk to God; I'm speaking to Him right now as I write this). And no matter what is going on in our lives, we are to have thankful hearts. Even in the trials of life we can find reasons to thank God; our salvation being one, and the most important of all. 


I am convinced that God's will is not hard to discern when we begin at this place. When we start with today's scripture verse. You see, when we have a real, vital relationship with Christ, when we are walking purposely with Him every day, decisions become easier to make because we are automatically looking to him for guidance, and if we are familiar with scripture we know what He desires for us. Does this make sense to you? I hope so, because for years I battled in knowing "God's perfect will" for my life. What was it that He wanted me to do with my life? It wasn't until I began practicing 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 that the war ended and I found peace in the decisions I made. Even if they brought some trials with them, I could rest in the knowledge that God was using whatever those trials were to make me into the woman He designed me to be. 


This is a big subject that I've condensed into a few sentences. I pray God will make it clear to you, even if I haven't done a good job of tackling it. I've discovered a song by Forever Be Sure that does an excellent job of presenting the big picture of what God's will is for us. I pray it will bless and encourage you.




I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.


Hugs,



 





15 comments

  1. Nancy, sometimes I worry my praying is actually more like begging
    or questioning God. I certainly need to be reminded that He hears all.

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    1. Lynn, I think we all are prone to do this same thing. However, if you are worried about how you are praying, you're probably doing just fine. God wants us to come to Him openly and honestly. Something that has helped me in my prayer life is to remember the ACTS acronym Begin prayer with ADORATION of the Lord, then CONFESSION of our sins, next THANKSGIVING (thanking God for all His many blessings, and finally SUPPLICATION (asking God for what we need or want for others). Using this method transformed my prayer life. And you're right. . .God hears all!

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  2. Nancy, I've been struggling with a decision regarding our house... two ways to go to free up a little more income for us.. and have been not sure which way to go! I went and read the scripture you quoted, and what I understand it to say is: no matter which decision you make, it will be the one I chose for you and it is my Will for you, so in that decision, go with peace knowing it's right for you. Am I correct in this? If so, I can breathe a little bit of a sigh of relief, as I feel led to one decision but worry that for the long term, it may not be the best one for us! but it's the one I'm leaning to with my gut... so I must believe that it is the right one according to God's will! I've prayed on it ALOT! Thank you for this scripture today. I needed it! Marilyn xoxoxo

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    1. Marilyn, I would never claim to know the mind of God. I will say that if you have prayed for God's wisdom and guidance, and you feel more at peace with one decision than another, then most likely the one that gives you peace is the one to pursue. What I will say is that even if there are bumps along the way with the decisions we make, that doesn't mean it was the wrong one. For example, I purchased this home last year believing it was part of God's plan for me, and I felt great peace in the decisions. As a reader of my blog, you know the unplanned expenses I've had, such as replacing my water heater at great expense to me. Now, does that mean I shouldn't have purchased the home? No! Absolutely not! For in those expenses God showed Himself faithful to provide a way for me to afford them. He has shown Himself to be generous to me in every circumstance. I always have more than I need. I'll be praying that God will continue to guide you. Hugs.

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  3. Another very thoughtful post, Nancy. I'm starting to count on your Monday morning encouragement. I hope you'll keep them coming!! Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, Kim. I take great pleasure in sharing God's word with others, and my desire is that He be glorified in any encouragement others receive. God bless you, my friend.

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  4. Thank you Nancy for your wonderful blog post today and the music is a perfect choice. Happy New Week. May God bless you and you feel him always by your side. xoxo

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  5. Wonderful encouraging words! And all true. Have you ever read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence? (free on Gutenberg Press) This is exactly what he writes about. Have a wonderful week!

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    1. I have indeed read The Practice of the Presence of God. I found it inspiring. It may be time for another read. :)

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  6. Nancy, your Monday morning posts are very uplifting and clear. I look forward to reading them and to feel your sweet spirit reaching out to us in love. Life is so much easier when we start each day in communication with the Lord. He knows my needs and is always there to guide and comfort me . . . He just wants to be put first in your lives. How marvelous it is to know that the God who created the heavens and the earth loves even me (just a simple minded women walking through this life). We are truly blessed, more than we can comprehend.

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    1. Thank you, Connie. Clarity is something I strive for, so I find your comment especially encouraging. You are so right about the marvel of knowing the God who created the universe loves us and wants an authentic relationship with us where He takes first place. He is SO good! Hugs.

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  7. Nancy, your Monday posts are always so good! Thankful to have a living God to have a relationship with, and to be guided by him.

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  8. God gives us peace to know His will. Sometimes He just wants us to pray in fellowship.
    I love your Monday posts!

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.