God’s will- We have to give up our “gimmies”.

I think if we were all honest we can admit when we are by ourselves – we have ALL been out of God’s will at least one time if not many times. I cannot speak for anyone but myself but I know that being out of His will is a very dark, damp, lonely , and scary place.

My favorite verse that applies to God’s will is Jeremiah 29:11-13. It is a promise that God made to His people and applies now even more to us. There are two parts that seem to get left behind after verse 11.

Jeremiah . 29:11 is the the one most know: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Most Christians stop at this popular but the verses after this describe our part in God’s will that is crucial in how we seek it. It is the essence of how we relate to a God that is so touchable and reachable – waiting for us to seek him we we need him the most.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

This part requires action from us and also a commitment too. Can we turn away from things our bodies, mind, and most importantly what we think “we may really want “? I call it the “GIMMIES”. aka “gimme this Lord and that because I really really want it”.

We all have had that prayer time when we ask God : “Lord give me (fill in the blank_________). When we should be praying…. “Lord — If it is YOUR will, please (fill in the blank)_____ or allow your will to work in my life and/or help me to know what your will is for me”.

Verse 12 explains how we must call or pray to God and HE will listen to us. Do we understand that we have the creator of the universe bending down to hear us and wanting to hear our hurts and concerns at that moment??!!! It is because of this loving and father/child relationship that we would want to remain in Him and to be in His will.

Verse 13 goes deeper and explains that God knows us so well and maybe the “gimmies” may get the best of us that internal struggles cause internal pain. God says just “come find me and I will be there for you when you SEEK me and with ALL YOUR HEART ! That devotion and love for God will encourage and give us strength to turn from our desires (or GIMMIES). Is it easy??? NO! Is it better in the long run? Have you been out of His will? If you have, then you know the answer.

There is nothing more than our Father God wants when His children come running to Him with arms wide open wanting to seek Him and be with Him. God does give us choices to choose and the direction we go in.

God always knows what is best for us even if we THINK we do. In the end, God’s will is always the one that is full of love, patience and HOPE. Sometimes we can only see in reverse, what God saw first ahead. It only takes once to be out of His will but for some us -well,…..we are slow learners. LOL 😉

Be Blessed and seek Him with all your heart! DeeDee Fetters LCMHC, NCC