“… With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery
of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be
put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all
things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” – Ephesians 1:8-10
First of all, we need to know that God knows everything,
since He is the Creator (Genesis
1:1)
Oh, the depth of the riches of the
wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths
beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his
counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from
him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!
Amen. (Romans
11:33-36)
Nothing in all creation is hidden
from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him
to whom we must give account. (Hebrews
4:13)
O Lord, you have searched me and
known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts
from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all
my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it
altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such
knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or
where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If
I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and
dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and
your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and
the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night
is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. (Psalm
139:1-12)
Secondly, we need to know that it is the Holy Spirit that
tells us what the will of God is. This is because the Holy Spirit is basically
the Spirit of God, whom He poured into us to advocate us in the walk with Him.
If you love me, keep my commands. And
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you
and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because
it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and
will be in you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom
the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you
of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and
do not be afraid. (John
14:15-17,26-27)
Therefore, let’s repent for walking through the wide gate instead
of narrow one (Matthew
7:13-14), because “the kingdom of
heaven has come near.” (Matthew
3:2) Let’s also sacrifice our lives and abide into the Spirit with
full-devotion to do the will of God, for the kingdom (Matthew
7:21) and the glory of God (Colossians
3:4). This is because the word of God states:
Let the Holy Spirit guide your
lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful
nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.
And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature
desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not
free to carry out your good intentions. (Galatians
5:16-17)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and
sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing
and perfect will. (Romans
12:1-2)
I know it’s hard to follow Jesus all the time, especially
when temptation comes. However, we have to endure it, for “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) We
also should remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No
temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is
faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you
are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Hence,
we should always apply what Philippians 4:8 states:
Dear brothers and sisters, one
final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and
pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
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