Trusting in God’s Perfect Will: A Journey

I have stated before, that I am a natural planner. I can categorize, organize, and strategize a 5 year plan in a matter of minutes. So when my life doesn’t follow my plan or situations outside of my control cause me to remember my helplessness, I quickly become frustrated.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” Proverbs 19:21 NLT

After recently completing a two week fast, I attended a Saturday night service upon the invite of my friend. In this service, the preacher mentioned a truth that I had seldom heard: God’s permissive will vs God’s Perfect will.

Permissive vs Perfect

God’s permissive will is enacted in our free will. We can do whatever we want and God will not interfere.

For example, I love bears. I think they’re one of the cutest animals!

Now, I could go out, find a cute grizzly and try to pet it, but if I get my hand bit off I couldn’t blame God. I have free will and so he permitted me to experience the consequences of the actions I made without consulting Him.

However, His perfect will is performed in my obedience to His spirit. When I submit to His will, I can recognize that He is in control, and any consequences of my obedience were all a part of God’s plan. If I would have prayed and sought God’s wisdom before acting impulsively, I might have saved myself an unexpected amputation.

It’s His Fault!

Essentially, when I exchange my will for God’s perfect will, I am putting all responsibility for what happens as a result on God. Basically, it’s His fault! And when I trust in His Word, that He will never leave me (Hebrews 13: 5-6), He protects those who trust in Him (Psalms 91), He will comfort me (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) and so much more, I can trust that His perfect will is not against me but for me.

Now I am not claiming to be an expert on this subject. But I have noticed for myself that trusting in God’s will has come in two parts.

Reading His Word

Reading the bible is a non-negotiable in a Christian’s life. That is because God cannot be known outside of His Word. His character, will, instructions, and more are all woven throughout those 66 books.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

You cannot trust something you do not know, so you can’t put your faith in a Will you don’t understand. God’s Word will not only give you a better understanding of His specific will for your life but it will also allow you to trust Him. You can look back at testimonies of His faithfulness, goodness, and consistency and know that He is the same God for you.

Familiarity with The Holy Spirit

Becoming familiar with the Holy Spirit allows me to be more accurate with the voice of God. However, there is so much involved with becoming closer to the Spirit of God that it would take an entirely different article (and more time on my part) to speak about. Just know that when we know who is speaking we can trust what they are saying. Since we have an enemy that seeks to cause confusion, it is important that we can distinguish between the leading of the Holy Spirit and that of ourselves.

Drop the Time Limit!

In addition to reading God’s Word, it is important to note that some things only come with experience. Time is a beautiful gift that should not be taken for granted. God gives us time to learn, grow, and form core experiences with Him on a daily basis. God is very patient and loving with us so do not feel rushed to understand the Will of God by next week.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV

This walk is a consistent state of growing and refining. His perfect will is learned with time in His presence, in His Word, in prayer, in fasting, and so much more. The more I am in His presence, the more that His will is clearly communicated and understood.

See y’all next time!

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With Love,

The Road Writer

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