Hey guys!

Last month, I talked about knowing what God’s saying to us so we have guidance for our lives and live according to his will.

This month, I’m talking about the other side of the coin. Once we know what God’s saying, what comes next? In my mind, what comes next is the doing. There’s no point knowing God’s will but not doing it. The blessing and growth come in the doing.

Matthew‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭AMPC‬‬: Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

The emphasis in these verses is on doing the will of God, not merely knowing it.

James‬ ‭1:22‬,25 ‭AMPC‬‬: But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth. [25] But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).

How do we do God’s way?

We could rationalise what God is saying and map out our own strategy to accomplish it. However, this is not the best way to do it. For example, Sarah and Abraham had a seemingly bright idea of how to bring about God’s word, and they ended up with Ishmael. This decision caused heartache for both of them in the long run, but God being gracious, they still got their promised son when they waited on God and did things his way. God has his way of fulfilling his word, and often, it is very different from our way.

Proverbs‬ ‭3:5‬,7 ‭AMPC‬‬: Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. [7] Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil.

Even though we have good intentions (in our consciousness), [our motives aren’t always pure], we don’t have the full picture. As such, the steps that we take might not be in line with the bigger picture God is formulating (has formulated). God doesn’t often tell us every detail of everything that is going to happen. There is a growth and stretching that comes as we journey with him, leaning on him, learning more about his way.

We can not do his will in our strength. We will fail or crash and burn or give up. We need God to strengthen us and sustain us in the doing of his will. His will is bigger than me. I am but a part of what he is doing; a key part nonetheless. He is depending on me to play my part well. Will I be faithful in doing what he has called me to?

God is gracious. He knows our feeble nature. We have a high priest who is very well acquainted with our struggles being like us on earth. He knows we will fail sometimes, get things wrong, and he is ready to set us straight; to put us back on the right path.

God asked me recently what was motivating me regarding an issue, faith or fear? Sometimes, we’re scared of failing, of getting things wrong. This fear is not from God. He wants us to step out. If you believe God is saying to do something, and it matches up with scripture, go ahead and do it, leaning on God each step of the way. If you’ve acted in error, God will redirect you. No experience is wasted. There’s always something we learn.

Sometimes, it might look like nothing is happening. You’re obeying, you’re pressing in, but not seeing the fruit or signs you expect, encourage yourself in the Lord. Remind yourself of his word to you. Remind yourself of his character – he is a faithful God, a good God. Remind yourself of the times he has come through for you.

Lastly, as you journey, check in with God regularly to make sure you’re still on the right track. ‭‭

In 1 Chronicles‬ ‭14:9‭-‬17‬, the Philistines raided Israel, and David asked God whether to go to war against them, and he obeyed. The Philistines did a second raid, and David asked again, “Should I go up against them?”. He could have assumed he knew what to do based on his last experience, but he did not. He asked God for fresh instructions, how to do things God’s way, and he got different instructions. God brought about his victory in a different way.

In summary, are we willing to do God’s will his way?
• Are you doing God’s will? Are you acting on the word(s) he’s given you? Are you checking in with him regularly?
• Are you doing things your way or God’s way?
• Are your actions motivated by faith or fear?
Are you discouraged? Write the vision down where you can easily see it