We’ve all had those moments when we let our parents down. Moments when what they had hoped for us just wasn’t in the cards. Now it doesn’t mean it can’t happen one day. But to best know what our parents want, we have to pay attention as young kids.
God has a plan for us as well. He wants some pretty specific things for us. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 that we shouldn’t make decisions flippantly but consider God’s will in every day life. Seventy times in the New Testament, the “Will of God” is mentioned. Almost every time, one of two of God’s goals for us is mentioned.
The first thing God wants for you is to be like Jesus. We discover how Jesus lived in the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Our prayer is that we are transformed, holy, new creations who look like Jesus. The process can be painful as God chips away our old selves and his Son is revealed in us. But any pain will be worth the outcome.
The second thing God wants for you is to be with Jesus. God’s ultimate goal is for you to spend eternity with him. By saying “yes” to Jesus and allowing the transformative process of becoming more like him to happen, we have the promise of eternity with God,.
We almost will never get a super clear message of what God is wanting us to do but there are a couple of things we can do to lean in and be more attentive to his calling in our lives. The first thing we need to do everyday is read the Word of God. In the pages of the Bible lie every answer to life you need to know. Whether it is how to have good relationships, or a healthy marriage; whether it is how to handle money and resources or be a great parent. Everything for life is found in God’s word.
The second thing we need to do is listen to God’s people. Being with and around God’s people is so beneficial and rewarding. So many people can give you great advice since they have been down the road a little further. It’s so important since we have been corralled by COVID these past two years that we desire to be together with each other.
When we lean in to both of these ideas, transformation will occur. Know that God’s part is the transformation and your part is surrender. We surrender to God working in our life for his glory. We strive to allow Jesus to remain in us and we in him so that real transformation will occur.
God wants you to be like Jesus and his desire is that you live with him. That’s God’s will. Live into that each and every day of your life. Blessings on the journey.