Living in the Freedom of God’s Will

Have you ever wondered if God has a specific plan for your life? Not just general guidelines for all believers, but a unique purpose designed specifically for you? The truth might surprise you: God's involvement in your life isn't always a work assignment. Sometimes He just wants you to know He loves you, that He's present, and that He's available.

A Bible on a Rock

Consider this remarkable story: A family hiking together discovered a Bible sitting on a large rock in a clearing. The Bible showed no weathering, no damage from exposure to the elements. Inside were detailed notes revealing the owner's vibrant relationship with Jesus. Only one name appeared in the front: Sam.

The family took the Bible home, and over time, the depth of faith evident in those notes made such an impression that they began praying for their college-age daughter. They asked God to bring a man into her life who loved the Lord like the man named Sam. Their prayer eventually shortened to simply, "Lord, provide her with a Sam."

Years later, when their daughter called to say she'd met someone special she wanted them to meet, they could hardly believe his name: Sam. And when that young man later visited to help them move, an old Bible slid out from the furniture. Sam's eyes widened as he picked it up like a long-lost treasure. "This is my Bible. Where did you find it?"

God didn't just send a Sam. He sent the Sam.

This is the providence of God at work—His intentional design, plan, and purpose for those who trust Him.

The Positioned Believer vs. The Conditioned Believer

There's a significant difference between believers who position themselves in God's will and those who simply wait for it. The positioned believer actively seeks God's will, desiring to be in the midst of His presence and work. This can make you a mover and shaker, which sometimes makes you unpopular.

Meanwhile, the conditioned believer waits for God to move in a way that fits their understanding, within a faith that feels safe and comfortable.

Positioned believers have the instinct of hound dogs—when they hear truth, they pick up the scent and go on the hunt. They know that when truth is revealed, it changes you. Such is God's will.

Understanding God's Universal and Specific Will

Scripture makes clear that God has both a general will for all believers and a specific will for each individual. Consider these powerful truths:

Psalm 139:13 reminds us that God created our inmost being and knit us together in our mother's womb. He designed you with your specific interests, dreams, desires, and giftings—both physical and spiritual. These are indicators of His intentional design and purpose for you.

Psalm 32:8 promises, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you." God has direction for each of us.

Isaiah 58:11 offers this beautiful picture: "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

What abundance! What provision!

The Transformation Cycle

Romans 12:1-2 presents a transformative cycle that draws us closer to Christ: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Imagine a pinwheel, but in reverse. Before following Christ, you were on the outside looking in. Now you're moving closer and closer to Christ's likeness through this continuous cycle:

Living as a sacrifice - set apart, holy, and pleasing to God
Transformation - through the renewing of your mind
Living in God's will - testing and understanding His purposes
Back to living sacrifice - each cycle drawing you deeper
Each rotation builds trust, grows confidence, and brings you into closer relationship with your Heavenly Father. What seemed impossible when you began becomes as simple as, "Lord, I know You've got me. Let's go."

Approaching God with Confidence

First John 3:21-24 reveals something profound: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him."

How we approach God matters. Our faith walk matters. How we choose to live matters.

When our hearts condemn us—whether from feeling unworthy, focusing on failures, or believing God is disappointed in us—we approach Him out of desperation rather than relationship. We come as a last resort rather than as beloved children approaching a loving Father.

But here's the truth: God's involvement in our lives and the level at which we allow Him access to assist us is wrapped up in three things:

How we view ourselves
How we believe He views us
How much trust and confidence we're willing to put in our Heavenly Father
We're meant to approach God with the familiarity of a child speaking to their dad, wholeheartedly believing He will provide what we ask.

The Freedom Within God's Will

Here's the overwhelming biblical truth: If you're living in the general will of God, you're free to ask for and pursue those interests, giftings, and provisions He built into you. This is part of the gift of free will.

Not every interaction with God is a work assignment. Sometimes He calls you to specific ministry. Other times, He invites you to enjoy the things He designed you to love—whether that's woodworking, golf, knitting, or collecting rifles. As long as it doesn't take you outside His general will, He'll use what He built into you to fulfill your specific purpose.

Those things that bring you joy? They're part of His design. When people ask about your relationship with Jesus, you can share not just rules and restrictions, but freedom and fulfillment.

Four Foundational Elements of God's Will

Scripture clearly outlines these aspects of God's general will:

Believe and trust in Jesus (John 6:40)
Be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Submit to doing good (1 Peter 2:13-15)
Abstain from sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Living in these areas positions you to experience God's specific will for your life.

Wake Up and Live

The hour has come to wake from slumber. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.

It's time to put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. To behave decently as in the daytime. To clothe ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Live in the freedom of His will. Live like the beloved child you are. And discover that the God who knows every hair on your head has a beautiful, specific plan for your life—one that brings Him glory and you abundant joy.

The positioned believer doesn't wait for God to fit into their understanding. They pursue Him, trust Him, and discover that His will is the safest, most fulfilling place to be.

Where are you today? Are you positioned or conditioned? The choice is yours.