Understanding God’s Will as Time and Purpose

This article explores the concept of God’s will and its two forms- Logos and Rhema. It emphasizes the importance of knowing and doing God’s purpose for our lives as believers. The article also explains the difference between God’s Sovereign will and His permissive will and how they work together to bring about His ultimate plan. God’s will is apparent as Time.

We may try to define time in an abstract sense, but in every instance of doing so, we will still be subject to it.

Ok, how do we know what time is it? We Know by seeing it come to pass. Through this, there is a sense of the future that comes, a past that has gone, and a present that is. But these temporary triplets are unique.

Time makes all things new, but the fact is that our beliefs are ever looking backward at what it has already achieved.

Watch a watch and you will see you can’t see it, but the only reason you are seeing at all is that its activity is complete in itself.

The word of God has two natures Logos or Rhema. The former is the word which is always true for every person at all times in every situation. “You shall not kill” is Logos. This is one of the commandments of God by which we learn to live as Christians. A Rhema is what God is saying to a specific person at a specific time to reveal his will for that person alone. This is what you are constantly asking. Be it when you are sick, worried, or in need of help, etc. What is God’s Rhema word for me?

God speaks to us in our conscience; we constantly get an inward message of what is right for us, but this comes with a sense of peace, not by force.

God’s Sovereign will is life’s highest purpose, and it’s of great meaning but alternatively, we might make our plans, do our own thing, and insist on our own choices; He may allow us to do this and also bless us, but it will be the most serious mistake ever made if we miss His purpose for our lives?

One thing that matters in the life of the Believer is to know and to do the will of God. If you have come across the biography of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa, Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagin, Billy Graham, F.B Meyer, or John Wesley, etc. you will confirm that God’s will has a role in their lives.

Anyone who has surrendered themselves to God by believing in Jesus Christ has been bought with a price that makes them new creatures. As a result of this, they have become new in Christ. The old man has been purged.

There is a way to live, a way to honor, a way to inspire, a way to love and a way to leave a legacy. If you can’t find it, it means you need to make some major changes.

“If you want to Know the future details of God’s will, you don’t want a renewed mind, you want a crystal ball.” – John Piper

The will of God can be described in two forms namely and knowing the difference between them is of great importance. Most people hardly know what the Sovereign will of God is. It is usually trivialized. This kind of God’s will was made clear when Jesus was praying to the Father saying “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass over me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” It was the Sovereign will of the Almighty God, His decree, His plan that Jesus would die, and Jesus surrendered to it.

There are two categories of people that usually take part in the fulfillment of God’s will as related to the crucifixion of Jesus. Judas Iscariot who betrayed him, men like the Jewish leaders who falsely accused Jesus, Pilate an authority, who knew he had no offense but listened to the people and made an exchange of Him for Barnabas, Herod who ordered the killing of babies and likewise killing John the Baptist, the soldiers who flogged, mocked and nailed him on the cross. It is of great importance to note that this Sovereign will include the sin of man. They all sinned in bringing God’s Sovereign will to fulfillment.

Sometimes for God’s will to come to pass, He brings some things that he hates along with it. This makes it Just as perfect as he Wants. Hmmm… Like a friend would say, It is fair to undergo hardship for doing good if it is in God’s will than for doing evil. God’s will cannot be broken, it always comes to pass.

The second form of the will of God is the Authoritative will of God or The commanding will of God. this kind of will is what he commands us to do. It is specific. God’s command is like: Don’t envy, Don’t be prideful, Don’t kill, Don’t covet, Don’t be angry, Don’t be jealous, Don’t be anxious; we do not plan any of these actions before they occur. Anger, pride, covetousness, anxiety, jealousy, envy, etc. they all just rise out of the heart with no conscious reflection or intention. And we become guilty because of them. These break the commandment of God.

Many times we fail to obey the commanding will of God unlike the Sovereign will of God that we can not do anything about. It is not everyone that does the will of God, not everyone will enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that does the will of the Father.

We must constantly have a renewed mind, formed and controlled by the revealed will of God. We should perceive and estimate all related factors with a focus on Christ and know what God is calling our attention to do. This has nothing to do with hearing or trying to hear God’s voice. This aims at a new mind, a new heart, new thinking, etc.

Finally, it is the application of God’s will through a renewed mind and discerning the scriptures that will give meaningful shapes to our lives. Whenever you lose your joy or peace as touching a particular situation or circumstance be watchful about deciding on such matters.

God teaches us His will by first teaching us His word.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.”

Today, ask Him to help you hear Him more clearly and He will.

“Do not be afraid to walk the path that you must go just because you cannot see the end. The path becomes clearer as you continue.” – Tracy Allen

God is Ever Ready and willing to relate His Will for Our lives, He is willing to Guide us even more than we are willing to be guided. His heart bit is for us to get the very best as we distinguish between His directive and permissive will in our lives.

Bible References: Psalm 106:15.2 Corinthians 5:17. 1 Corinthians 5:7. Matthew 26:39. 1 peter 3:17. Daniel. 4:35, Genesis. 18:17-33. Matthew 7:21. 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:18. John 17:17. John 8:32.

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