Decerning God's Will - Part 2 {Amos 1-4}

I have taught women’s Bible studies for almost thirty years now and have discovered the #1 question everyone seems to have is:

How can we know God’s will, or plan for our lives? 

I shared an example from my own life on steps to take in order to discern His will a few weeks ago, and here's the link if you'd like to look back at it.

But, here in the Book of Amos the Lord reveals a huge part of the answer to that question in a form of a question in Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"

The word used here for "together" gives the idea of two people moving in rhythm together, as in riding a tandem bicycle. Think about that for a minute. Have you ever ridden a tandem bicycle before? Both sets of peddles operate in unison. One may be applying more force in peddling but both sets of peddles circulate together and only the person sitting in front seat gets to steer!

Therefore, it's not about getting God into rhythm with us; it’s getting ourselves into rhythm with Him. This is what it means to “walk with God”.

The Lord also gives us another clue in verse 7, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets."

We are His servants and since God loves His children, He graciously takes us into His confidence so that we will be directed and warned in advance as to His plans and purposes for each of us. 

God is warning His people through Amos of the pending judgment coming so that His people will have time to repent, but the practical application for each of us is to stay in His word and in fellowship with Him and allow God to speak to each us of what He has for our lives.

But there are also a few other keys I’ve discovered along the way that may help as well: 

__Surrender your will to God’s. This one has tripped me up more times than I care to admit! Many times when I’ve claimed to be seeking God’s will, what I actually wanted Him to do is get in step with my will. I have tried to take over steering the bike countless times, but have learned that before God will begin to reveal His will to us, we must be committed to doing whatever it is that He desires for us to do. Proverbs 3:5-6 fits well right here and also;

Romans 12:1-2, I beseech  you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

__Next be careful to obey what you already know to be God’s will. Many people seem to want to know what God’s plan is for their lives, but they aren’t following what has already been commanded through His Word. If we don't obey the things that God has already shown us to be His will, why would we assume He would reveal anything further regarding His plan for our lives? Obedience is definitely an important first step, and often times before we seek His will we should first confess where we’ve fallen short.

__Simply ask Him. There are many verses where God encourages us to come to Him seeking wisdom. Here are two of my favorites:

‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’ Jeremiah 33:3

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6 

I can honestly say, that He has never failed to give me the wisdom/answers I’m seeking at the moment. Though I can tell you, the wisdom I’ve sought has come in many different ways and at different time, BUT it has always come!

 __Seek godly counsel. God’s Word is one avenue in seeking His will, and another is to seek input from other godly advisors in your life.

Proverbs 11:14 says, Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

__ Finally, Listen to God’s Spirit. I’m learning to be still (quiet) and listen while praying rather than running on with my list of requests. I’ve learned to sit with a journal and ask questions BEFORE I open His Word. Jesus promised in John 10:27, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. We will know when He is speaking.

I’m wholly confident that if you follow these key steps to help you hone in on His plans, you will definitely discover them! After all what Father would ever want to keep His children in the dark?

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