Jesus had a lot to say about the kingdom of God.
He even included it in the prayer He taught His disciples.
"May your kingdom come."
Christians have often understood this as a prayer for Jesus to come and restore His good creation.
Yet, Jesus’ original audience would have heard it differently. It was – and is – a prayer that the kingdom of God would become a reality in our lives. That we would submit to God as the rightful King.
The second half of the phrase gives even more context.
“May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
What comes to your mind when you think about the will of God?
You probably think of big decisions like what job to take, who to marry, or where to live.
In other words, you probably think of the specific will God has for your individual life.
Now, don’t get me wrong. God does care about those decisions and He is willing and able to lead and guide you through them.
But, in the Bible, the vast majority of God’s revealed will is universal – not individual.
God calls every one of His people to “[think] of others as better than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). To “forgive others” (Col. 3:13). To “serve one another in love” (Gal. 5:13). To “keep on praying” (Rom. 12:12). To “[give] cheerfully” (2 Cor. 9:7). To be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (Jam. 1:19).
The list goes on and on.
God has told us His will for our lives.
His will is for us to live obediently before Him – as loyal subjects of His kingdom.
We are, after all, “citizens of heaven” (Phil. 3:20).
Does God care about the job you take, who you marry, and where you live?
Yes, of course He does.
Is it possible you could honor God in more than one job? Is it possible there is more than one person God would be delighted to see you marry? Is it possible that you could serve God in any number of places?
Of course.
Remember, God is a good Father. He isn’t trying to trick or confuse you. He hasn’t left you in the dark to stumble around. He has given you everything you need to know about His will for your life.
If you have been persistently praying over a decision and He doesn’t seem to be giving you a clear answer, let me offer a bit of advice.
First, find out what God has already said in the Bible. God will never contradict His Word.
I once spoke with a woman who justified an affair she was having with a married man by saying, “I prayed about it and God just gave me a peace about it.”
No, He didn’t. God is clear in His Word that adultery is a grievous offense and He will never give you a peace about that which He has declared sin.
So, find out what God has already said about the decision before you make it.
Second, if the decision does not conflict with God’s revealed will in the Bible – if it affords you an opportunity to love and serve Him and, in turn, love and serve others – then make a decision.
If you have earnestly prayed for God to lead and guide you and you have searched out what He has already said and still make the wrong decision, God is more than capable of redirecting you.
But don’t be paralyzed. Do something to the glory of God and for the good of others.
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