How Can We Know God's Will?
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 3:1-7
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
During the Second World War an elderly man was arrested for hiding Jews in his home. Because of his age his captors were willing to release him if he would promise never again to hide anyone. This was his answer: "There is no safety outside of God's will." He was convinced that placing himself outside of God's will was far more dangerous than facing death at the hands of Hitler's Nazis. As we begin a new year, we need to know that the most dangerous place in life is outside of God's will. But how can we know God's will? How do we know what God wants for us this year? How can we know if God approves of our choices? How can we know what God has in mind for us at this time in our lives? We have to learn to listen carefully as God speaks to us through the Bible. God does not tell us whom to marry, but he does tell us we are to marry in the Lord. God does not spell out what job to choose, when to retire, or how to invest, but God does tell us we are his stewards. God makes his will known through open and closed doors and through many of the circumstances in our lives. He wants us to look closely at the opportunities we have and the gifts he has given us. As we make our choices, we do well to remember that there is no safety outside of God's will.
Lord God, help us to acknowledge you in all our ways. Show us your will, and make us willing to live your way. Give us faith to trust in you and wisdom to serve you. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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