When our will and God’s will differ, we need to determine that we will follow God’s will no matter what. We need to ask God for discernment as we make an honest assessment of what is coming from our own imagination or desires, or what is God’s revealed truth, and then act on truth.
Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights. (Proverbs 18:15 MSG)
Guidance from God becomes clearer as we make a habit of obeying His Word. As we intentionally yield our will to God, and place our trust in Him, we will begin to discern what His good, pleasing, and perfect will is for us. Our thinking will be changed and we will readily recognize His voice. We will discern what He is saying to us, and wholeheartedly respond to His instructions. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:21 NIV)
Our own human reasoning and desires often tell us what we think the answer to our petitions should be. Satanic and demonic powers may also influence our minds. We can sift our thoughts by surrendering to God what we think and desire, and ask instead for only what God’s will is in the situation. God’s direction is always reliable. However, His ways are not always our ways, and particularly in early days of recovery as we are learning this new path, we need to be willing to do what God says, rather than
follow the desires of our own heart. The more we obey God, the more we will experience amazing outcomes that are better than we could ever have imagined.
follow the desires of our own heart. The more we obey God, the more we will experience amazing outcomes that are better than we could ever have imagined.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)
Prayer: Loving God, Forgive me for relying on my own understanding. Help me to seek You in all my ways and to follow You wholeheartedly in everything I do and say. AMEN
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