Don’t Jump Over the First Circle!

By Marika Marton*

Not long ago, I learned something very important while reflecting on the will of God—particularly His will for us personally. 

I realized that we cannot discern God’s specific will for our lives unless we first obey the commands and follow the principles in His Word.

 

I imagined myself standing inside a circle that represented God’s revealed will. Around it was a larger circle, symbolizing His specific will for my life.

Psalm 37:23 says: "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”

We cannot just “jump over” the first circle, as many of us might wish to do, and find out God’s specific will. First we must be faithful to do what we already know pleases Him. Then He will lead us step by step into a deeper understanding of His specific guidance for our lives.

Sometimes, God gives us freedom of choice within the second circle—but only if we are living according to the principles of the first.

For example, it might not matter whether you accept one job or another. What matters far more is that you become an exemplary worker who reflects Christ in the workplace.

Or perhaps God gives you freedom in choosing where to live. In that case, the real issue is your motivation—why you want to go there.

So today, if you are seeking to know God’s specific will, make sure you first read His Word and obey what you already know pleases Him.

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See also: 7 Steps for Discerning God's Will. 

* Marika lives in Subotica, Serbia. She is the translator for the Hungarian Bible Love Notes A szeretet üzenete, the administrator for the Serbian Bible Love Notes Biblijske Crtice Ljubavi, and the admin for Bible Love Notes English and foreign social media pages. Plus, she is my special friend. I will occasionally be featuring a devotion from Marika on Bible Love Notes. ~ Gail 

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