Devo # 24 "Walking in the Will of God"

"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Sooner or later, every believer will want to know "God's will" for this decision or that decision, especially when they come to a crossroads in life: Should I take this job? Should I accept this marriage proposal? Should I join this church? or Should I move to this city? or What should I major in or What type of job should I look for? What is God's will? We often ask these questions as if they exist in a vacuum apart from everything else in our lives.

Today's passage puts knowing God's will in some perspective. Paul tells us that if we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (die to our selfish ambitions and passions) and refuse to conform to the lifestyle, values and thinking patterns of this world, that we will actually flow into God's "good, perfect and pleasing will". I find that when I am not offering myself up to God as a sacrifice or when I am conforming to the world's values, it is hard for me to hear God! It is only when I get into the quiet place of submission and listening that I am able to hear his voice.

Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have gone my own way, refusing to place my life on the altar of sacrifice and failing to allow you to transform me by the renewal of my mind. I submit to you today afresh and anew so that I may flow into your good and perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen!