How Can I Know God’s Will for My Life?

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Doing leads to knowing.

John 5.19-20 – Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. 20 The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished.

When Jesus said, “the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing,” he declared that he very clearly knew God’s will for his life and God’s purpose for the world.

The secret to knowing God’s will for our lives is found in verse 19: “The Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

If we trust God deeply enough to know and to do his will, then he is able to trust us with knowing his will. It makes great sense. How can we go wrong when we are doing what he greatest Being of All thinks is important?

Life is the issue!

John 5.21-24 – Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. 22 The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Jesus knows his purpose in life. It is to bring life to all people. Jesus offers people the best life possible. Our willingness to follow him opens the door to abundant life.

People act on what the believe. Jesus is the best example. He believed that his Father had the best plan for his life. Therefore, Jesus only did what the Father directed him to do.

Jesus came to earth to reveal the true nature of God to humankind. He also showed people how to live life to the full. We will live the best life possible when we act on the belief that Jesus’ ways are the key to life.

Jesus’ authority for our immense good

John 5.25-29 – “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; 27 and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

Authority answers the question, “Who is in control here?” Jesus uses his authority and power to bring people to life.

Authorities in Jesus’ day and in ours often use their power to control others for personal agendas.

Jesus’ authority is to give us the best life possible in the here and now, followed by heaven.

Today’s Prayer

Dear God, thank you that you have made it possible for people to know you will and to do it. Thank you for the chance to live a full and meaningful life. Please help me overcome my own self-centered will, so that I can follow you into abundant life.

Your Turn

I meditate on the themes of each day’s Bible passage throughout the day. I prayerfully dialogue with God on these passages. Please consider meditation on the Bible, either these verses or other places where you are reading.