Following God’s Will

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Mike

We are all fractured individuals. None of us is perfect. The world we live in makes it difficult to stay pointed in the right direction. There are too many temptations, too many distractions, too many alternative paths leading us astray. Following God’s will for our lives can feel like an impossible task. Without constant communication with God, we are doomed to failure.

Communication with God starts in the pages of the Bible. The Bible is the one and only place we can be certain we are digesting the words of God. We can then expand that connection with prayer. But it only becomes real and alive when we put what we’ve learned into practice; when we are honestly following God’s will.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)

Most of us have been through a time where we knew exactly what was needed to be done, yet we neglected to do what was required. There are some who know they would benefit from losing a few pounds yet continue eating the same weight-gaining foods. There are others who know they would benefit from regular exercise yet continue to make excuses for why they can’t fit exercise into their schedule. And there are those who have studied the Bible in Sunday school, in a small group, on their own at home, and in regular worship services for years, yet in some area of their life continue to walk contrary to the teaching of the Bible; knowingly avoiding following God’s will in their life.

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” James 1:23-24 (NIV)

You will be blessed by Following God’s Will

The Lord has designed our existence here in this world to reflect precisely how following God’s will can transform your life. If you’re overweight, your doctor will tell you that losing some weight will improve your health. If you follow that advice you will discover it to be true. Medical test results before and after will confirm the results. The same is true for a regular exercise program. There are undeniably tangible positive benefits from regular exercise. The same is true for your active participation in all that you learn in the Bible. When you take what you learn and put it into action, you will discover a great blessing in your life like no other.

“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25 (NIV)

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context. Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations. In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon. Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.