Romans 12:2..."And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

So many Christians struggle to find God’s will for their lives, but this is one area of our Christian walk that you would think should be easy to figure out. But, to often Christians wander around in life confused, frustrated, and unsure of their place in life.

I should know, I was the poster-boy of this situation. I know I struggled with this before accepting Jesus as my Savior, but I thought after being born-again everything would just fall into place— but, it didn’t. The main problem that I discovered after years of struggling to find God’s will, was that I was my own worst enemy.

I would say that the number one reason for struggling to find God’s will for your life is that we are not putting God first in our lives. And this point right here, if we had a to-do list of things you need to do to find God’s will for your life, would be right at the top.

In our defense, when this happens to you, it is not a problem that is new to man. We are raised and trained in a society that promotes selfish living. Just look at some of the advertising campaigns in the last decade or so— one company’s slogan has been, “Just do it!.” Now, you cannot get more selfish than walking around with that attitude.

It gives the impression, that you should do whatever it is you want to at any expense— if it effects someone else, well, sorry, but you were just in the wrong place at the right time. The Bible teaches a life-style that is the polar opposite of that. A life-style that puts the “self” last, and an attitude of “giving to others” first.

sheeew! I could hear the groans from here. I know, it doesn’t sound like a fun life-style— that is until you try it. It’s amazing the way God created us, and the way our inner being responds and the feeling we get after putting this into practice in our lives and seeing those in need respond to the caring they receive.

To show someone this kind of love and concern, who is not use to receiving it, it’s like watching a block of ice melt right in front of you. When a person or group of people are just use to being shunned, they develop a calloused attitude about them. But, when someone shows a loving concern for their needs, just watch that calloused attitude just transform into an appreciative attitude that is even surprising to them.

This is the call of God, and the message that Jesus promoted throughout His ministry. One of my favorite parables that relates to this topic, is the parable of the “Good Samaritan,” in Luke 10:25-37. This parable is preceded by an expert in the law, who stood up to test Jesus, and asked Him in verse 25, "“what shall I to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied in verse 26, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?"

The man answered Jesus in verse 27, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself." After this this so-called expert in the law was still intent on testing Jesus, but, instead he managed to his ignorance in who Jesus was— he followed in verse 29, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus went on to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan in verse 30-37, “30) A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

Notice how two religious leaders, a priest and a Levite, both saw the injured man, but passed him by, by walking on the other side of the road to intentionally avoid the situation. A lot like people today, who do not get involved in situations because they are either to busy or for fear of their own safety. I know I was tested in a manner, not as dire as this mans situation, but none-the-less, not a situation I was proud of.

It happened one evening while returning from work later than I had anticipated. I had a planned Church function at the home of my Churches associate pastor. It was a 7PM special dinner and service of the Passover, Easter weekend. I recall pulling up in front of my home at about 5:45PM. Now I had to shower and dress and drive about 45 minutes to get to the associate pastors home.

As I was getting out of my truck, after a day that was a lot more hectic than I had hoped given this planned event, a man came walking across the street toward me and asked me if I could give his car a jump start. I clearly remember my reaction to this request, because I felt so ashamed of myself, shortly there-after.

My immediate response to him was one of annoyance, that someone would have the nerve to ask a favor of me while I was so busy and late for a meeting that was dedicated to God. I abruptly told him that I was very busy and that the police station was just down the corner, maybe they could help you. Some Christian! If that man was not a Christian and had any intention of becoming one— if he knew I was a Christian, he certainly wouldn’t consider it any longer.

I truly believe this was a test and lesson from God, because shortly afterward, while I was in the house getting ready, I did feel the guilt of what I just did. I looked out the window and to my amazement, neither this man, nor his car were outside. Now, I guess it is possible that someone jumped his car that fast, but highly unlikely. I know that situation left an impression on my mind, because although that was probably fourteen years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday.

This brings me to the next account in Luke 10:38-42, when Jesus visits two sisters, Martha and Mary. In this account, Jesus is lounging in their home as Mary sat at His feet and listened to Him as He most probably was teaching. Martha on the other-hand was busy in the preparation of a meal and just serving Jesus and His disciples.

Martha, as most people with a worldly view of things would agree, became upset at Mary for not helping her. Martha spoke up and said to Jesus in verse 40, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” The response that Martha received from Jesus, was most probably shocking to her, but I wonder if she understood what Jesus meant, because I believe many today wouldn’t comprehend what He was really saying, but would just gripe and complain, saying things as, “sure, it’s easy for Him to say, I’m doing all the work!”

Jesus replied in verse 41-42, “41) Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42) But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

The selfish conditioning of the mind that we develop in living in a worldly way of thinking is “please thyself first and foremost,” The way Jesus looked at it was that Mary wanted to know her Lord and she was willing to forgo what some would consider important, the meal preparation and just caring for her guests, what Martha was doing.

Yet, Jesus would have considered Martha’s work important as well, because in traveling on foot, as Jesus and the disciples did in that day, they were probably hunger and thirsty. Martha was, not selfishly, but selflessly giving up her time to care and prepare a meal for her guests. That is, of course, until she started to grumble about Mary not helping.

This resembles the personal situation I described above. Both Martha and myself were only concerned about “self.” Yet both of us were misguided, because we didn’t see it as selfishness, at first I justified it that I needed to get going so I was not late for worshipping God, and Martha justified it as Mary should be wanting to serve her guests just as much as Martha herself. The heart of the matter is that we should serve others, without even thinking about it or considering what it might be costing us.

What does this all have to do with God’s will for your life? EVERYTHING! Just think about what Jesus said to Martha in verse 41-42, “you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

We let the troubles of everyday life, as well as the selfish attitudes that we develop though-out our lives, to distract us from what is important, and from seeing what God wants us to see and learn.

God’s will is only difficult to find if your heart is somewhere other than where it should be— and that’s focused on God and not trying to take your own personal will for your life and manipulate it into God’s will for your life. I used to seek for God’s will in my career and what I should be doing for my life’s work. And, this certainly can be a part of His will, but you will not find that aspect of it or any aspect for that matter, without first, seeking God and putting God first in your life ahead of everything, and I mean everything.

Even your spouse and children. Because their blessings depend heavily upon your relationship with the Father in heaven. Deuteronomy 30:19, says, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” Take note of the last portion of the verse— “you and your descendants may live.”

Psalms and Proverbs are chock full of verses that relate to blessings of seeking God first, for not only yourself, but also for your loved ones.

So, God’s will is not difficult at all, it’s just a matter of applying God’s truths, that putting Him first is and will be the answer to all your dreams. If you could over-come the worldly ways of thinking and from allowing the cares of everyday life from distracting you from what is important, than you will be well on your way to fulfilling God’s great potential for you.

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