"What is God's will for my life?" asked the man sitting across the desk from me as he wiped tears from his eyes showing the sincerity of his contemplation of the depths of God's specific will for his life. He's not alone in his search, either. We all want to know the answer to this question mainly because we think it'd make life easier for us, and sometimes the search for the answer can leave us paralyzed, unable to make any sort of movements in our lives. Yet, God has graciously not given us a sneak peek of the coming chapters of our lives and the road to walk to get there; this is for our good.
Yet, God's will isn't mysterious either; multiple times in His word, God has revealed what His will is for us (1 Tim. 2:4; Rom. 12:2; Eph 5:18; 1 Pet 2:13-15). One such example, and probably my favorite, is 1 Thess. 4:3. Paul gives a general statement coupled with a specific application of it. He says, "For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you keep away from sexual immorality" (CSB). Sanctification means to be "holy" or "set apart from sin unto completion in Christlikeness" and has in view every part of the believer's life. Praise God He "works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will" (Eph. 1:11), that our sanctification isn't by our works, but continues to be by faith in He who sanctifies us (Gal. 3:2-3), and that the work God started, He will not leave unfinished (Phil. 1:6).
God has, is, and will sanctify you; it is His will for you.
He has, is, and will work the process of cleaning out the old beliefs, loves, and ways and trade them with new and right beliefs, loves, and ways. Therefore don't lose heart if habits of sin keep you discouraged and shrowded in shame; he won't leave the work undone. He can even repurpose the worst trials and suffering of our lives to refine and purify us. Take a minute to look back on the ways He already has set you apart from sin and formed Christ in you... take heart brother or sister. His will is to sanctify you, and he will accomplish His will. Amen. Blessings!
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