The Determination to Move Forward

The concept of God's will has fascinated and captivated countless individuals throughout history. What does God desire for each of us? How can we discern and follow His will in our everyday lives?

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17

Understanding the divine will doesn't have to be an unfathomable mystery. In fact, God wants His children to know Him better, to be worthy of His love and service, and to love Him with all their hearts. The key to grasping and following God's will lies in studying the life and teachings of Jesus, who not only spoke about the divine will but also exemplified it through His actions and miracles.

The Gospels offer a wealth of Jesus' teachings on God's will. Through His example, He demonstrated how to live a life centered on love and service to God and others. His words and deeds revealed God's loving and merciful nature, as well as His desire for His children to live in peace and harmony.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." - Psalm 100:4 One of Jesus' clearest teachings on God's will is found in the well-known Sermon on the Mount. In this discourse, Jesus presents the Beatitudes, which serve as a guide for a life blessed by God. He tells us that those who are humble, merciful, peacemakers, and righteous are blessed and will experience God's presence in their lives.

Moreover, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor as oneself. He teaches that all the Law and the prophets are summed up in these two fundamental commandments. In essence, love is the pathway to God's will.

"Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. But just as all the good things the LORD your God has promised you have come to you, so he will bring on you all the evil things he has threatened, until the LORD your God has destroyed you from this good land he has given you." - Joshua 23:14-15

The ultimate example of obedience to God's will is found in the life of Jesus. He gave His life for the redemption of humanity, adhering to the divine plan of salvation. His crucifixion and resurrection are a testament to His complete dedication and submission to God's will.

By following Jesus' example, believers can learn to discern and follow God's will in their lives. This involves a life of prayer and communion with God, seeking His guidance and direction in all major decisions. Prayer connects us with the Holy Spirit, who is our divine Comforter and Counselor.

"While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?' When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, 'Lord, should we strike with our swords?' And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And he touched the man’s ear and healed him." - Luke 22:47-51

We can also delve into and reflect on the Scriptures to better understand God's will. The Bible is an inexhaustible source of wisdom and spiritual guidance. Through its pages, we can learn about God's purposes and plans for humanity and our individual lives.

It's important to remember that God's will may not always align with our expectations or desires. Sometimes, we face challenging situations or adversities that we don't understand. However, we must trust that God has a plan for each of us and that His will is always for our good.

Trusting in God's will involves complete surrender and unwavering faith in His love and wisdom. Even when we don't comprehend His ways, we can be assured that He guides and protects us at all times.

In times of uncertainty or confusion, we can seek the guidance of spiritual leaders and counselors who can offer insight and wisdom in our quest for God's will. The community of believers can be a source of support and direction in our spiritual journey.