God’s Will Isn’t Lost

This isn’t a divine game of hide and seek.

Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash

We’ve all said it. “I just want to know God’s will.” I sure have, but it was based on a misunderstanding.

It’s not a matter of following God’s purposes aren’t important. They are.

But here’s the truth that finally settled into me after years of wrestling: God’s will isn’t lost. It’s also not hiding.

What if it’s not a tightrope?

I used to think one wrong move and I’d fall off “God’s path.” Take the wrong job, marry the wrong person, move to the wrong town — and boom — off the rails.

But show me where Jesus said that.

I’m waiting.

When the Psalmist wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,” he didn’t say that they’re hard to find, specific steps.” There’s wiggle room. There’s grace. There’s space to learn as you go. God doesn’t yank the rug out every time you hesitate.

A friend of mine had dedicated her life to be a missionary. She believed that missions was God’s will for her life. Then she met a man. It turns out, he had no interest in the mission field. So, she never went and felt guilty for years.

The thing is, she has gifts and talents that she’s using right here at home. They would have made her a great missionary. But, as it turns out, she has a very effective ministry here…without going to a specific location overseas.

God’s will isn’t a puzzle

You don’t need to crack some holy Da Vinci code. You’re not on a scavenger hunt through every life choice hoping to stumble across “the one” or miss “the one.”

No. It’s not about that. It’s about walking with Him. Staying close. Trusting He’s not just in the destination but in the journey. Even the boring parts. Even the confusing parts.

You can be smack in the middle of God’s will doing laundry or bagging groceries or driving your kids to school. He’s not looking for impressive. He’s looking for available.

But what about Romans 12:2?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

In Greek (the original language), the words “good,” “pleasing,” and “perfect” are stacked adjectives — all describing one thing: the will of God.

Romans 12:2 isn’t about finding one of three wills. It’s about transformation — having your mind renewed so that you’re not swept up in the values and noise of the world. Once that happens, you become the kind of person who discerns God’s will naturally. And when you do, you discover that His will really is:

• Good (it leads to flourishing)

• Acceptable (not just to God but often to you, too)

• Perfect (complete, lacking nothing)

  
  

It was never about categories of God’s will as has often been taught. And, which has caused a lot of shame and guilt. Unfortunately, religious Christianity is very good at shame and guilt.

Jesus never handed out a GPS

Seriously. No maps. No spreadsheets. He just said, “Follow me.” That’s it. No instructions on how to land the dream job or whether to move to Nashville or Nebraska.

Following Jesus doesn’t come with stage lighting. It comes with trust. One step. Then another. Then maybe a stumble.

Make the best decision you can

Look, you’ve got a brain. Use it. Pray. Talk to wise people. Listen. And when you’ve done all that? Make a choice. Don’t freeze waiting for some holy voice to boom from the clouds.

God’s not sitting up there wagging His finger saying, “Don’t mess this up!” He’s a good Father. And good fathers don’t punish kids for trying.

Maybe the will of God is…right where you are?

There’s a good chance you’re already in it. Right now. In the job you’re unsure about. In the marriage that takes work. In the quiet Tuesday morning when nothing feels particularly holy.

Maybe the point was never to “find” God’s will. Maybe the point was to live your life, making the best decisions you can as you follow and live out the attitude and actions of Jesus.

© Gary L Ellis