The Will of God: Living a life aligned with God's Will

One of the most profound and often misunderstood subjects in the Christian faith is the will of God. Many believers wrestle with questions such as: Why am I here? What does God want from my life? How do I know if I am walking in His will? These questions are not new. From the earliest days of Scripture, humanity has sought to understand God’s purpose and intention for their lives.

The Bible makes it clear that God is not random or accidental in His dealings with humanity. He is a God of purpose, order, and intentionality. Every human being on earth exists because God willed it, and every life carries divine meaning. However, that purpose is not fully revealed or fulfilled outside of Christ. Scripture teaches that God’s will for humanity is revealed and accomplished in Jesus Christ, and the moment a person believes in Him, they step into the unfolding of that divine purpose.

Today we will explore the will of God as revealed in Christ, the necessity of fellowship with God, and the importance of aligning our lives with His will so that we may live fruitful, meaningful lives that glorify Him.

God’s Will Revealed in Christ

God has always had a plan for humanity. From creation to redemption, His will has remained consistent: to restore humanity into right relationship with Himself and to express His glory through redeemed lives. While God’s will can be seen throughout Scripture, it finds its fullest and clearest expression in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is not only the Savior of the world but also the revelation of God’s will in human form. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, we see what it looks like to live fully aligned with the will of God. The four Gospels present complementary perspectives of who Jesus is, each highlighting a unique dimension of His identity and mission:

• Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as King, emphasizing His royal authority and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew shows us that God’s will includes righteous leadership, obedience, and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth.

• Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as Servant, focusing on His actions more than His words. Mark reminds us that God’s will is not about self-promotion but sacrificial service.

• Gospel of Luke reveals Jesus as Man, highlighting His compassion, humanity, and closeness to the marginalized. Luke shows that God’s will touches every aspect of human life and experience.

• Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Eagle, soaring high and revealing His divine nature. John emphasizes that Jesus is fully God, the eternal Word made flesh.

Together, these Gospel accounts reveal that Jesus is not one-dimensional. He is King, Servant, Man, and God all at once. In Him, we see the perfect balance of authority and humility, divinity and humanity.

Truly God and Truly Man

One of the most powerful truths about Jesus is that He was fully God and fully man. This is not a contradiction but a mystery of the Christian faith. The apostle Paul explains this beautifully in Philippians 2:6, stating that Jesus, “being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” In other words, Jesus did not cling to His divine privileges for selfish gain.

Instead, He willingly humbled Himself. He took on the form of a servant and submitted Himself to the will of the Father. This act of humility was not weakness; it was obedience. Jesus chose to serve God through serving people. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, comforted the broken, and ultimately laid down His life for the salvation of humanity.

Jesus’ life demonstrates that the will of God is not about personal elevation but faithful obedience. Even when obedience led to suffering, Jesus remained committed to God’s purpose. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” This prayer captures the heart of alignment with God’s will.

God’s Will on Earth as It Is in Heaven

Jesus did not keep the will of God as a private matter between Himself and the Father. He taught His disciples to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This instruction is deeply significant.

In heaven, God’s will is obeyed fully, joyfully, and without resistance. Jesus’ prayer invites believers to partner with God in bringing that same obedience and harmony to the earth. This means that God desires His will to be manifested in our daily lives, families, communities, and nations.

God’s will is not distant or unreachable. It is meant to be lived out practically. When believers align their hearts with God, they become instruments through which His will is accomplished on earth.

Fellowship with God: The Foundation of Doing His Will

One cannot effectively do the will of God without being in consistent fellowship with Him. Fellowship is not merely religious activity; it is a living, ongoing relationship with God. Jesus emphasized this when He taught that people ought to pray without ceasing. This does not mean praying every moment verbally, but living with continual awareness of God’s presence.

Prayer is communication, and communication is the lifeline of any relationship. Through prayer, believers express dependence on God, seek His guidance, and receive strength to live according to His will. Fellowship with God aligns our hearts with His heart and shapes our desires to reflect His purposes.

The apostle Paul reinforces this in 1 Timothy 2:1–4 (NKJV), urging believers to pray, make supplications, and give thanks. This passage reveals that gratitude is not optional; it is part of God’s will for His children.

Gratitude as God’s Will

Giving thanks pleases God because it acknowledges who He is and what He has done. A grateful heart recognizes God’s sovereignty even in difficult circumstances. When believers cultivate gratitude, they begin to see God more clearly—not only as a provider but as a faithful Father who is at work in all things.

Gratitude shifts our perspective. Instead of focusing on what is lacking, we begin to see God’s hand in what we already have. This posture of thankfulness strengthens faith and deepens trust in God’s will.

When believers are full of gratitude, they are less likely to resist God’s will and more likely to embrace it with joy.

Alignment with God’s Will

Scripture provides sobering examples of what happens when individuals resist God’s will. One such example is Book of Jonah. Jonah was called by God to deliver a message, but instead of obeying, he ran in the opposite direction. His disobedience did not only affect him; it endangered the lives of others.

Misalignment with God’s will often leads to unnecessary suffering, confusion, and delay. While God is merciful and able to redeem our mistakes, resisting His will comes with consequences.

Alignment, on the other hand, brings fruitfulness. When believers walk in God’s will, their lives produce lasting impact. Alignment does not mean life will be free of challenges, but it does mean that even challenges serve a greater purpose.

Knowing God’s Will Today

In the Old Testament, the Israelites used the Urim and Thummim to inquire of God’s will. Today, believers have something far greater: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, guiding, convicting, and revealing God’s will. The Word of God provides the foundation and boundaries for that guidance. God will never lead a believer in a way that contradicts Scripture.

When prayers are rooted in God’s Word, they align naturally with His will. This is why Scripture is essential—not only for knowledge but for discernment. The more believers immerse themselves in God’s Word, the clearer His will becomes.

Living a Life Aligned with God’s Will

Living in alignment with God’s will is not a one-time decision; it is a daily surrender. It requires humility, obedience, and trust. Just as Jesus faithfully fulfilled God’s purpose for His life, believers are called to do the same.

God’s will is not hidden to frustrate us. It is revealed to transform us. As we walk in fellowship with God, cultivate gratitude, and submit to His Word and Spirit, we find ourselves living lives of meaning, fruitfulness, and eternal significance.

Ultimately, the will of God leads us to become more like Christ—and there is no greater purpose than that.