what does God want me to do?

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Acts 21:1-17. Many people tell Paul NOT to go to Jerusalem, and that he will die if he does. But he does anyway, even though many prophets warn him what will happen.

It's hard to know what God wants us to do, isn't it? Even when you GENUINELY want to know what it is, it can be difficult to figure it out. Most of the time, it's more important for us to do His will where He puts us than to try to figure out where He wants us to go. Does that make sense? Wherever you find yourself, love people there. Be kind. Pray. Read your Bible. Help people. No matter where you are, that can be where you can do His will.

However. There are times when we really DO need to know what He wants us to do. Should I marry this person? Should I take this job? Should I move to another state? What do you want, God? What should I do?

First, let me assure you of something very important. Just the fact that you WANT to do what He wants is a HUGE first step in the right direction. As Thomas Merton said, "But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You." It pleases God that we want to do His will, even if we're terrible at figuring out what it is. He will help you figure it out.

Second, let me share a little thing I learned along the way that helps me figure out His will. I've mentioned this before in my blogs, so forgive me if you've heard this before. But one very effective way I've found to figure out what He wants is to pray that He will increase my desire to do the thing He wants me to do. If I have a choice between moving to Austin or moving to California, I'll pray that He will make me want to do the right one. And then, over the next few days or weeks, I start to feel myself wanting to do one of them more, and I find myself wanting to do the other one less. He helps me WANT to do the thing that He is calling me to do. It works!

In any case, seeking God's will for your life can only be a good thing. Keep seeking, and He promises, you will find.

God, thank You for having a will for our lives. And thank You for helping us find it.