DEVOTION – DAY 480

Philippians 2:14-16a “Seeking God’s Will”

Philippians 2:14-16a “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God” without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then, you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

Sometimes, people argue or grumble about God’s Will for them. They want to rebel against it. Grumbling is a sign of discontent against God’s Will. It also shows an unhappiness and an unwillingness to do what pleases God. That is why the apostle Paul reminds us not to grumble or argue, but instead, be like children of God – to be blameless and pure. Now, God does not expect us to be perfect and without sin. But God expects us to have a willing heart to do His Will. God knows we live in a world surrounded by worldly and sinful thinking and temptations. But God expects us to stay away from worldliness and sinful temptations. How do we do that? The answer is to “hold firmly to the word of life” – to be guided by what the Bible says, for it is the Word of God.

I know a man whom God had called to serve in a ministry. After a couple of years, he started to get restless. He began to think that it was time that someone else take his place in the ministry. He thought he wanted new challenges, to try new things. He also did not want to be tied down. He wanted the freedom to choose what he wanted to serve in, and when he could serve, at his convenience. So, one day, he told me that he wanted to stop serving with me. 

I had to tell him that his services were to God, and not to me. I told him that if he wanted to stop, he should seek God’s Will. He should find God’s direction for him by staying close to God’s Word. God would tell him whether he should remain serving, or do as he pleases. The important point, I told him, was whether he was willing to obey and submit to God’s Will for him. He was shocked by my response. But, he agreed to pray, seek and obey God’s Will for him. After a few weeks, I asked him what his decision was. He told me that he would remain serving. He realized his restlessness was due to worldly thinking and being tempted to spend his time in areas that were obviously not God’s Will for him. It has been more than 10 years since I challenged this man to seek God’s Will and stick close to His Word. He is still serving in the ministry that God had planned for him. He has been blessed countless times because he obeyed God.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that is our guide and daily bread that we are to feed upon. Please help us to willingly obey and submit to your Will and your Word for us so that we can be fruitful for you. We humbly pray in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  

Questions

  1. Why do some people get restless after they have served for a while in an area of ministry? Discuss. Have you felt restless before in a similar situation? What happened? Share.
  2. Why is it important to seek God’s Will as revealed to you from His Word? Discuss.
  3. Are you seeking God’s Will for you for something? Have you looked at what God has revealed in the Bible?