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The Perfect Will of God
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13 (NIV)
If no specific word comes on an important matter such as which school to attend, where to live or what job to take, does this mean that we cannot be in God’s perfect will? Are we doomed to follow an anxiety-ridden guessing game about God’s will?
Assuredly it does not! Think of it this way: no decent parents would obscure their intentions for their children. A general principle for interpreting God’s behavior toward us is that God will exceed us immeasurably as parents (Luke 11:13).
When God gives no guidance, it is because it is best that he does not. Then his perfect will is whatever lies within his moral will and whatever we undertake in faith. It is no less perfect because it was not specifically dictated by him. Indeed, it is perhaps more perfect because he trusts us to choose, and he goes with us in our choice.
REFLECTION: Do you really believe that when God gives no guidance, it is best that he does not? Can you accept that God’s will for your life is no less perfect because it was not specifically dictated by him? Think over decisions you have made. How do these ideas fit?
About this Plan
Dallas Willard urged us to learn and practice prayer as a two-way dialogue with God. These excerpts from his best-selling book Hearing God, assembled by Jan Johnson, are an invitation to meet God, to allow his voice to shape your choices, and to encourage your heart. As you begin this four-week reading plan, thank God that he promises to meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.
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