What's God's Will for My Life??

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2

"How can I know God's will for my life?"  Theologian, Dr. R.C. Sproul says this is the number one question he is asked by his students. It is probably the one question most Christians have asked their pastors, friends, mentors, and parents once in their life in Christ.

So, what's the answer?

Well, Dr. Sproul often leads his students to this verse in 1 Thessolonians 4:

 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality..." (verse 3)

Huh?

Isn't this verse about abstaining from sexual immorality? What if I want to know where to work or what to study in college? How does this verse help me out?

Easy...what Dr. Sproul tells his students is that no matter what decision they make in life, they must always remember that God's will for their life is their sanctification: That they be set apart from the world. 

In other words...will the career you choose make it hard for you to abstain sexual immorality? Will you be working with non-believers? Will you have to compromise your faith? Will you be able to be open about your faith in Christ? What about the college you want to attend? Will co-ed dorm rooms, parties everywhere on campus, heavy drinking, and drug use make it hard for you to abstain from sexual immorality? What about the friends you hang around with? What about the apartment building you live in? Will you be able to abstain from sexual immorality while living there?

These are all very important questions to ask yourself before you make a commitment. And this is Dr. Sproul's point. 

God's will for your life is your sanctification. No matter what decision you make in life, you are to be set apart from the world. 

I once spoke to a Christian young man who wanted to be a tattoo artist. When I asked him if he felt that that career was the will of God, he explained that he would tell his customers about Christ while tattooing them. 

Really? Is that sanctification? Is that a young man wanting to be transformed or conformed to this world?

This is what Paul was telling the Romans when he exhorted them to transformed (changed from...) and not conformed (formed with...) the world. 

So, God's will for your life is very simple....be like Christ who always did the Father's will. Pray hard and ask the Lord to reveal where He wants you to live, study, work, who He wants you to marry, etc. Be in God's word daily. 

He will speak to you through others around you and through His word.

 Just be prepared to obey His will no matter what the answer is!

Blessings,

Ruth