Ephesians 5:17 says, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
God’s will can sometimes seem like a mysterious thing, but here, Paul connects being wise with understanding God’s will for our lives.
This tells us two important truths: we can know the will of God, and even more importantly, God wants us to know His will.
The simplest way to follow God’s will for your life is to understand the difference between His general will and His specific will.
Just like a young child trying to understand their parents’ will, they are first taught the general rules.
These might include things like, “Don’t lie,” “Learn to share,” and “Be kind.” These instructions apply to all children and are non-negotiable. Similarly, God’s general will applies to all His children. It includes things like reading the Bible, going to church, and sharing the gospel. These are expectations that God has for every Christian, without exception.
For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us part of God’s general will: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” These are clear instructions for all believers, guiding us to live a life of joy, constant prayer, and gratitude.
But just as a parent also has specific plans for each child—God also has a specific will for each of us. This might include details like the type of work He wants you to do, where He wants you to live, or even whom He wants you to marry. This specific will is unique for each individual.
The key to unlocking God’s specific will for your life is by first following His general will. Luke 16:10 says, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” When we are faithful in obeying God’s general commands, He guides us into the more specific aspects of His plan for our lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 also provides insight: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
As we trust God and follow His general instructions, He will direct our paths, revealing His specific will in His perfect timing.
Ad dear children of God, let’s seek to understand and follow both His general and specific will. By doing so, we align ourselves with His wisdom and purpose, ensuring that we walk in the path He has laid out for us. When we commit to following the general will of God, we can trust that He will lead us into the specific plans He has for our lives.
