“GOD’S WILL”
- A devotional Bible study by Rev. Don Schink, © 2010
Romans 1:10:
“… in my prayers at all times: and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” (NIV)
So we see that Paul’s heart and prayers are with them constantly. If it is within God’s will, Paul yearns to go to Rome to share God’s Word and His love with them in person. He had appealed to God to do so many times. Finally, he was able to see them. He had received that assurance through the Holy Spirit. However, his desire would be fulfilled in an amazing way.
As such, Paul was persecuted by the Jews. He was arraigned before King Agrippa. He appealed to the Roman Emperor. Then he was taken to Rome in chains. He was eventually cleared. While in chains, Paul was allowed to stay in his own rented house where he shared the gospel with whoever came. This must have profoundly impacted the Romans.
Paul was concerned that whatever he did was in line with God’s will. He knew what a disaster that he had made of things before allowing the Lord to take over his heart and life. So, he realized the importance of seeking the Lord’s direction. In Psalm 143:10, the Psalmist wrote, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
In Psalm 40:8, we read, “I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” It should be our express desire to do the will of God. We should sincerely desire to keep His Word and His will ever before us, prayerfully seeking His best for each of us. We should also seek His will in whatever we seek to accomplish.
Even Jesus sought His Father’s will, giving us an important example to follow. In Matthew 6:10, in teaching us how to pray, He said, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In Matthew 12:50, He said, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” In Matthew 26:42, we see Jesus’ agonizing words, where, “He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”” So if even Jesus Christ, Himself, sought God the Father’s will in all things, we can do no less!
In Ephesians 6:6, in reference to slaves obeying their masters (employees obeying their bosses requests) we read, “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves to Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”
In Hebrews 13:20-21, we read, “May the God of peace, Who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, (21) equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” The reason that we exist is to praise and worship and serve Him, in line with His Word and His will, as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to do His will! Hallelujah!
For questions and comments, email me at: PastorDonNM@gmail.com
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