Several years ago (perhaps decades!), I read a book entitled THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL by Charles Swindoll. The book made an incredible impression on me and I took a ton of notes. I’ve carried the notes with me ever since then to remind me of where I can always improve my walk with God. I’ve copied them here and divided into six sections: God’s Way, God’s Leading, God’s Sovereignty, God’s Plans, God’s Faithfulness, and God’s Surprises. I hope and pray that these brief notes will help your walk with God, will drive you to further study of God’s will, and prompt all of us to continually deepen our relationship with God.
God’s Way
We can never fully comprehend God’s ways with our finite minds. He’s the potter and we are the clay. We need to have an attitude of letting it be; just let it be. True faith is obedience without any fear or hesitation.
God’s decreed will is running its course precisely. We cannot know this decreed will ahead of time; only after it occurs. God’s decreed will is absolute, unchangeable, unconditional, and always in His plan (and it’s always best). God is not surprised by anything, especially our trials. God’s permissive will is allowing things to occur; and it is definitely the will of God.
Some things God says not to do (i.e., ten commandments). Some things God says all Christians must do: Obey parents, Marry a Christian, Work an occupation, Support your family, Give to The Lord’s work and to the poor, Rear your children by God’s standards, Meditate on scriptures, Pray, Have a joyful attitude, Assemble for worship, Proclaim Christ, Set proper values, Have a spirit of gratitude, Display love, Accept all people, and Follow God’s Word.
There are five prerequisites for following the will of God:
- Must be a Christian (only believers have the Spirit’s presence)
- Must be wise making the most of our time – clear thinking – no foolishness
- Must really want to do the will of God – you really will do whatever He wants you to do (more than pleasing people)
- Must be able to give up comfort (Paul said, “Even my life doesn’t matter”)
- Must be willing to pray and wait (not every answer comes as soon as we expect it).