PURSUING THE WILL OF GOD (3)

>>> POSITIONING FOR GOD’S WILL

TEXTS: Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 5:17

We shall continue on the series of God’s will by examining two (2) additional practically steps to take in order to fulfil God’s mandate for our lives and destinies and ultimately end well in this life’s journey.

POSITIONING FOR DIVINE WILL CONTINUED

1. Be determined to seek out God’s will no matter what it costs and how long it takes (Colossians 1:9)

2. Deal with any distraction to God’s will

3. OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT

The fact that you are on God’s way does not imply there will be no potholes in the form of challenges. But it means that if you continue the end is beautiful and glorious. To find a road with no obstacle, then you have found a road leading nowhere.

Jesus was in God’s will on earth but He encountered challenges. His earthly siblings started by not believing in Him; the enemies were His own people; His disciples doubted, denied and betrayed Him, but He moved ahead and today He reigns in glory and majesty. If you must triumph in the pursuit of God’s will, you must be determined to handle discouragement God’s way.

HOW TO HANDLE DISCOURAGEMENT IN THE PURSUIT OF GOD’S WILL

a. Focus on the end; look beyond the present challenges (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:2)

b. Trust in God; look beyond men. Men can be channels, only God is source (Psalm 118:8; 146:3)

c. Encourage yourself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6)

d. Maintain positivity even if you are the last man standing (2 Kings 4:26)

e. Stay connected to the leading of God (Romans 8:14)

4. BE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S WILL NO MATTER THE COST

God’s will comes with a cost. Usually it costs people their selfish ambitions, parental desires and mentors’ agendas, but you have to choose whose will you want to serve in your generation. Always remember that service outside the will of God is injustice to the kingdom of God.

There are times when surrendering to God’s will comes with tears, but the end of it is joyous, for: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5).

Obedience to God’s will have cost some people their jobs, others their homes, and even some their lives. Peter was a fisherman who left everything He had to preach the gospel, and he raised a question to Jesus:

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27).

Jesus gave the answer and it is a summary of the rewards for living in God’s will. This shall be the focus tomorrow on SPIRIT’S SWORD DEVOTIONAL as we conclude this series on the pursuit of divine will. I pray that you shall be established in God’s will in Jesus’ name.