Okay, God. What’s My Job?

Live according to God’s will.

My life is what it is in spite of my efforts. God’s will is done regardless of my support or efforts. However, when I actively seek God’s will and strive to live it out in my life, things go much better. 

The struggle, I suppose, for most of us is that we fail to feel confident in knowing God’s will. I don’t know that there is a magic formula to having complete confidence in this—we are after all livings as sinners in a fallen world. However, I do think there are things we can do to support our understanding and assurance. Pray. Study the word. Fellowship with other believers. The more we are in relationship with God and other believers and ground our daily lives in knowing and understanding the Word, the more his will becomes a strong and present voice in our lives.  

There are two prayers that I like to use when I’m struggling to know God’s will. The first is the Lord’s Prayer, which is such a good reminder of the things he does for us and the things we should do in response to him. The second, is the third step prayer for Alcoholics Anonymous, which reads,  

God, I offer myself to thee, to build with me and to do with me as thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of thy power, thy love, and thy way of life. May I do thy will always! Amen. 

It’s a simple prayer, but helps to remind me of my role in serving God. I often can’t understand his will for my life because of my own selfish desires.  

Beyond prayers, seek to study the bible in a way that helps you to see who God is and what he has done and promises to do for you. Finally, having a group of fellow believers in whom you can confide when doubt or uncertainty about God’s will comes is powerful. God created the body of believers to be an extension of heaven here on earth. We would be wise to utilize the tools he has so wonderfully provided. 

Contributed by Liz Hunt

Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (2004). How people grow: What the Bible reveals about personal growth. Zondervan.