How to Know What God Wants You to Do With Your Life Today
The rest of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians holds his answers to questions they had asked in a letter they had written to him.
Questions about marriage, singleness, eating meat offered to idols, the “right way” to worship, the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection . . . disagreements they were having in the church.
Whew! It looks like we’re going to have some interesting topics to discuss in upcoming days. Many of these topics are things people disagree about today.
I noticed something today as I was studying Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 7.
There were times when he makes it clear his answer comes from his own opinions based on what he knew about life and his readers’ situation and other times when he said…
I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:10
And it hit me that it’s important for us to know the difference.
We know that God is eternal . . . the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Commandments that He gave us in Exodus 20 continue to be His commands for us today.
- No other Gods. Worship God.
- No idols. Don’t worship anything else.
- Don’t misuse God’s name. Honor the Lord’s name.
- Honor the Sabbath. Honor God and rest.
- Honor your parents.
- Don’t kill. Life is precious.
- Don’t commit adultery. Honor God with your body.
- Don’t steal. Don’t take what belongs to others.
- Don’t lie. Tell the truth.
- Don’t covet. Don’t envy what others have.
And Jesus added the following Commands:
- Love each other. (John 13:34)
- Repent and turn to God. (Matthew 4:17)
- Follow Jesus. (Matthew 16:24)
- SEEK the Kingdom above all else. (Luke 6:33)
- Become [humble] like little children. (Matthew 18:3)
- Keep the Commandments. (Matthew 19:17
- Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)
- Love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:39)
- Be compassionate and kind, merciful and forgiving. (Luke 6:36–38)
- Go and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)
In light of God’s Commands and Jesus’, Paul talked about sexual purity, love between husband and wife, what to do if your spouse doesn’t believe, and singleness. Then he told them what to do with life . . . by giving guidance that applies to all of us in every decision:
I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
1 Corinthians 7:35
You and I are wonderfully blessed by a Lord who loves us where we are. He calls us to live for Him right where we are in our present circumstances. it’s easy to be so consumed with wanting our life circumstances to be different from our current marital status, job, home, or family that we miss the opportunities He is giving us to serve Him right here and right now. When you and I don’t know what to do with life – pray, trust God’s promises and obey His commands.
A Prayer for God’s Help to Know What to Do With Life
Father, Thank you for Your promises to guide me according to Your plans and purposes. David wrote of Your promise—“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) And Jesus promised—”When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” (John 16:13)
You promise to lead me with wisdom and love. I can trust You. Your commands are intended for my good . . . meant to keep me safe in a world trying to distract me with confusion and lies. David also wrote that wherever He went—”Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me.”
Please forgive me for the times I stubbornly go my own way, times I fail to follow Your commands. Please help me do whatever will help me serve You best. Help me worship, love, and honor You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me love all people . . . seeing everyone as someone who is dearly loved and precious to You. Help me SEEK You first. And help me trust and obey Your will as You reveal it to me. I ask this that I might live today and every day for Your glory. I love You, Lord. I worship You. And by Your grace and with Your help, I will focus on Jesus, the One who began and perfects my faith. And in whose name I pray. Amen.
Do you want to know what to do with your life?
Trust, obey, and follow the Lord and His plans for Your future filled with hope will fall into place.
On today’s note write:
When I don’t know what to do with my life . . . trust, obey, and follow the Lord.
May God bless you today and live by His grace and for His glory . . . and trust Him to show you what to do with your life.
Trust, obey and follow . . . God will lead on His righteous paths when we do these things, Deb. May all that we think, say and do be for His glory alone.
Blessings!
It sounds easy, doesn’t it? But we let so many things distract us and get in the way. It is becoming my daily prayer . . . as well as thanking God for His faithful mercy and willingness to forgive. Have a wonderful weekend.
Help me to trust, obey and to follow your will for my life. Lord be a light unto my path and guide me with your spirit, helping me to discern your ways always.
It is a challenge but with your help, i will come to know your ways and follow you. Thank you Deb, God bless you.
Angela – Ireland
What a beautiful prayer! I’m joining you in it! What grace to know that it is a prayer He loves to answer! Blessings!