The second most asked question that many are praying about
is what is God’s will for their career, ministry and future in service. In the
book Education we are told, “We need
to follow more closely God’s plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies
nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for indications of His
providence – these are the rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation.”[i]
Following this advice, I have always found success over and over again.
There’s another passage, just as powerful, that has also made
a profound difference in my own life. It says, “Each morning consecrate
yourselves and your children to God for that day. Make no calculation for
months or years; these are not yours. One brief day is given you. As if it were
your last on earth, work during its hours for the Master. Lay all your plans
before God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate.
Accept His plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the
abandonment of cherished projects. Thus the life will be molded more and more after
the divine example; and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.”[ii]
There are, of course, many other things that are in God’s will for our own individual life. But we
need to be careful about assuming what God’s will is regarding our own personal
desires and wants, because we are so prone to err. Presumptuous prayers can be
dangerous, and they can also lead to a lot of heartbreak when prayers, that we
hoped were according to God’s will, are not answered. But what exactly is
presumption, some may ask?
Inspiration tells us, “Presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of
faith. Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience.
Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse
transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God,
and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing
that His great love would save them from the consequences of sin. It is not
faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on
which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises
and provisions of the Scriptures.”[iii]
When we pray according to God’s will, seeking to live for
His glory, we can pray with confidence, for God delights to hear and answer
these prayers. And often, He will give us better than we hoped or asked for,
simply because that’s the kind of God we serve!
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