What is God's Will

"I have said all of this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." John 16:1-2 Revised Standard Version

What a horrible thought. To commit crimes against God and believe we are acting in God's interests. And yet it goes on every day. We read and hear about it over the news.

A man kills an abortion doctor. Bombs are exploded. People beheaded. Shots fired. All in the name of pleasing God. And yet God is not pleased at all.

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? Ezekiel 18:23 Revised Standard Version

"For I have no pleasure in the death of any one," says the Lord God; "so turn, and live." Ezekiel 18:32 Revised Standard Version

Sometimes it is hard to know what God would have us do. Sometimes it's easy. Generally, it gets harder when we allow our own desires to get in our way. It's hard to get quiet before God. But it's what needs to be done in order to communicate well with him.

And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9-13 Revised Standard Version

Where was God? In the quiet. Using the earth, and the things of earth and space, God can wreck tremendous violence. But God is a quiet spirit. He speaks to us quietly and persistently, seeking our attention via our will, not our senses.

Remember, God is love. That should be our starting point in determining God's will.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever! Psalm 111:10 Revised Standard Version