Following God's Will

This morning I ministered from Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Most people use this very to excuse the idea that God will bless their plans.  But it is really the other way around.  We are blessed when we follow Him. 

Then in our morning Life Group, we took a few moments to discuss if we worship a Jesus we have created in our minds or do we worship the Jesus revealed to us from the Word of God?  They might not be the same thing.  

We are such creatures of convenience and comfort.  If we are not careful, we will worship at the feet of these comforts and expect Jesus to bless us with them.  

But following His will isn't about our comfort.  I spoke to a pastor recently who knows that he is serving in God's will, but it isn't going very well.  I talked to someone who is following God's will, but as a result, are being persecuted for their faith.  I know this, I have experienced this, and it is true.  It isn't easy.  

Too often we bail or walk away when it gets tough.  We excuse our exit by blaming them for our problem.  But we have to consider the option, God wants us to stay and stick it out.  Is this popular teaching?  No, of course not.  But it is true.  

If you find yourself in a place where following God's will is causing stress or even some kind of pain - remember the following.  

Jesus suffered.  The Bible says that we should rejoice if we have to suffer as Christ did. 

Focus on obedience and draw joy from that.  If we focus on the problem, we will get discouraged and quit. 

God is your judge, they are not.  Regardless of whatever situation you are in, on your judgment day before God, they don't get any input.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, I'm not in a happy place, but I am in Your will.  Help me I pray.  AMEN