GOD'S WILL - FIRST THINGS FIRST -- Devotional for March 21, from "Good Seeds"

So then, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17).

The Bible gives many definitions of foolishness, but the one in today’s passage is the most telling of all, as it seems to say that the biggest fool is the one who doesn’t know God’s will (and doesn’t care!?) Even though the Bible tells us that God’s ways are high above our ways, and His thoughts far beyond our ken (Isaiah 55:8-9), and even though it asks the rhetorical question with the universally obvious answer, “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” still, God has promised to reveal to us certain details regarding His purpose for the world – and for you and me individually. We may survive without them, but only at the animal level. We may survive, but how could we thrive when our hearts were made to be His dwelling place? We were not just made BY God – we were made FOR God, and, that being so, we will never find our place in life – or peace in this life – apart from knowing Him, seeing ourselves through His eyes, and letting Him guide us in our earthly journey every step of the way. To attempt to go through life “without a clue” regarding what He has planned and provided is as dangerous as it is foolish. In the classic passage on this subject, Proverbs 3:5-6, you and I are exhorted to “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge the Lord in all of your ways, and He will direct your paths.” This isn’t just friendly advice – this is a warning signal flashing, “Danger Ahead!” Now, in our quest to know God’s will there are two distinct areas of knowledge to be gained: FIRST, we need to know the mind of God regarding the big things, the deep things, the eternal things. To discover these His Word acts as a telescope, giving us the big picture, the perspective on His plan of the ages. God is pleased to reveal to us His will regarding the deepest possible issues of life. In that vast outer space we can see through this telescope at least nine shining stars – nine different things God specifically says are His will for all men: Salvation, Spirit-filling, Sanctification, Suffering, Service, Soul-winning, Supplication, Submission, and being a Student of the Scriptures. We start by coming to grips with these truths, but only as we place ourselves by faith “in His grip” will we be ready to begin inquiry regarding God’s will in a SECOND area: the personal details of our individual lives. For answers to our questions about finances, happiness, success, relationships, etc, God’s Word will function as a microscope. But it is only when we desire HIM more than what HE CAN DO for us that He becomes willing to answer our questions and provide our needs.