Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
— Matthew 28:18–20
Here is a hard truth: God will accomplish his will with or without you. And the response I expect to hear from people after a statement like that is OK, I want to serve. Send me. But what is God’s will? How do I discern that?
I get asked all the time about how to discern God’s will. If I am being honest, I think this is a copout. People often ask God’s will for their life as a synonym for Tell me what I should do in any given situation. I get it. No judgment here. It would be easier if there were someone who could just tell me what to do. Should I marry this person? Should I go to this school? Should I pursue this career? Which of these things should I do with my life? Trust me, I get it.
The truth is that God has told us his will. In Matthew 28 he makes it very clear: his will is that we should make disciples and baptize them in his name. I know that’s probably not a very satisfying answer, but it is the guiding principle for every decision you make.
Look at what scripture tells us:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
— Colossians 3:17
So the question is not really What is God’s will for my life? That’s a bad question. You know God’s will: to spread his gospel and bring glory to his name. The real question is this: Of all the possibilities, which of these honors God and spreads his word? In every situation, with every decision, our goal is to accomplish his will.
This week, I hope that you think about how you are participating in his will with your decisions.