The Winning Life: Knowing God’s Will; Proverbs 3:5-6

For the last 6 weeks we have focused on the search for wisdom that is found in the Word of God, the Voice of God, and the Walk of God.  Today we want to begin applying these tools to various questions, problems, and needs that confront the human condition and the Christian profession.

For the next weeks Alba, Sip, Tony, and I will teach what Proverbs has to say on various topics such as parenting, relationships, temptations, addictions, business, and character.  We will hear testimonies from fellow RF members as to how God has given them insight and victory in these various areas.

First up today: How do I know if I am doing God’s will?

Background: Most asked question… even asked at JCS chapel this week… Christians want to know if they are in the will of God!  They want to know if a certain decision they are about to make is the will of God.

First: The Word of God

Proverbs 3:5-6(NKJV) ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

One of the most quoted passages in the Bible.  Charles Stanley related a story that this verse played the instrumental Scripture direction in his going to First Baptist church, Atlanta.  It played an important role in our moving to El Paso.

Trust: lying helplessly face down; like a child on your chest;

Heart: seat of mind, will, and emotion; the soul

Lean: rely on; rest on for support

Understanding: comprehension; discernment

            There is a way that seems right…

Acknowledge: know intimately

Direct: make smooth and straight; remove hinderances

Second: The Voice of God

Proverbs 16:3(NKJV) Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.

Commit: roll off onto

            Psalm 37:5; 55:22

Works: work; deed; workmanship

            We are His workmanship…

            God is at work in us…

            He who began a good work…

Thoughts: thought; device; plan; purpose’ intentions

Established: stand up; be firm

Third: The Walk of God

Proverbs 16:9(NKJV) A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Heart: Soul; mind, will, emotions; complete person

Plans: invent; consider’ reckon

Way: journey

Directs: same word as ‘established’ in v. 3; stand up’ firm up

Steps: actual steps or distance; success in life

            Jeremiah 10:23

God is more concerned about His will than we are!  He takes responsibility for us and will lead us ultimately in His will.

God led me to Wayland by closing all other doors; led me to Lazbuddie; shut me in to teaching school so that I could meet Jack, which led to our coming to El Paso and ultimately to starting Restoration Fellowship!

God will give us the desires of our heart!  We felt a call to missions, possibly Cuba.  God led me to minor in Spanish in college so that we would be prepared to minister in a Spanish speaking mission field!  Who would have known that we would end up in Ft. Hancock and El Paso!

I pray you are encouraged today to understand that God will keep you in His will if you seek Him.  He will not let you miss Him!