Discernment: What Is God’s Will For My Life?

Discern (verb) — to perceive by the sight or some other sense; to recognize or apprehend; to distinguish mentally; to recognize the true value of a thing or opportunity.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.   Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (Ephesians 5:15-17)

If the personal transformation of Romans 12:1-2 is to become a reality for your joy and God’s glory in 2011, you must exercise discernment.  You must consistently and eagerly ask the question, “What is God’s will for my life?”  God’s written revelation to mankind, the Bible, is your compass.  God is your true north—your focal point—and your destination.

As you experience the variations and intricacies of the day, your task is to recognize. Apprehend.  Distinguish mentally.  To recognize the true value of a thing or opportunity. Your task is to discern—to test what you encounter with the guiding power of the living and active word of God (Hebrews 4:12).

• Temptations will come, but test their deceptive value with the promised cost of indulgence (James 1:13-15).
• Trials will come, but test their severity with what King Jesus has already endured for your sake (Hebrews 12:3-4).
• Distractions will come, but test their true worth with the value of the eternal kingdom and your calling (Matthew 6:33).
• Opportunities will come, but test their potential with a clear recognition of the brevity of earthly life (James 4:13-15).
• Good things will come, but test your allegiance to them so that you do not treasure the gift as more precious than the Giver (James 1:17).

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

Exercise your God-given power of discernment today.  What is God’s will for your life? Where and when are the opportunities in 2011 to study and grow in your grasp of God’s Word?  If you live in the Columbus, Ohio area, we would love to study and grow together with you in 2011 at Laurel Canyon.

Let’s walk carefully today.  Not in aimlessness but in wisdom.  Let’s make the best use of our time.  The days are evil.  Don’t live like a fool today.  Understand what the will of the Lord is for your life.