what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:17
God wants us to understand His revealed will. There are two sides to God's will. There is His revealed will and His secret will or counsel (Deuteronomy 29:29). His revealed will is given to us to understand. For example, God's revealed will tells us that Jesus Christ is coming again. His secret counsel will not reveal to us the day nor the hour. God tells us what we need to know in His revealed will.
The revealed will of God is recorded in the word of God. The Bible declares the will of God in no uncertain terms. Anyone who is serious about knowing God's will should be a student of the Bible. In the Bible, we read the commands of God. He tells us what we should do and what we should not do. We are to "be doers of the word and not hearers only" (James 1:22). The will of God revealed in the Bible is not multiple choice. He gives us clear guidance and specific commands.
The will of God is revealed in Christ. Remember the "WWJD" bracelets? That is, "What Would Jesus Do?" That question is based on the understanding that Jesus did the will of God in all things. He taught us the will of God in word and deed. For instance, he taught us to forgive. God's will is always that we forgive others. Jesus not only taught it, but demonstrated it on the cross. Jesus prayed,"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
The Holy Spirit reveals the will of God in our hearts. In Galatians 5:22-23, we read nine words that describe the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us to do God's will. For example, one of those words is peace. It is God's will that we live in peace. The peace of God will rule in our hearts, when we know and do God's will (Colossians 3:15).
Father, give us understanding, that we may know and do Your will, through Jesus Christ.
