I Thessalonians 5:18
“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Our last time in this passage, we addressed God’s general will, which includes being thankful in all things. Today we’ll focus on His daily will for us as individuals.
Paul had an interesting occurrence in Acts 26:14 “And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” A goad is sharp point on the rear of a plow. If the ox attempts to resist the farmer and kick, he meets the goad. It sounds like the Lord was attempting to direct Paul away from persecution. He was resisting and found it painful.
The Lord interacts with us similarly. If we resist Him, it’s uncomfortable. Does it have to be uncomfortable? I don’t think so. I believe the Spirit attempts to direct us with thoughts, impressions, advice from others and circumstances. Notice what Jesus said in John 3:8, “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Just like a leaf in the wind, so the Spirit directs us.
If we are open to His leading, it’s a blessing. To know that the God of the universe wants anything to do with us is amazing. He loves us and wants to be involved in our lives. It’s not a fearful thing. Following God’s ways bring peace (John 16:33).
If we are resistant to give up control, then we are “kicking against the goads”. Our conscience rages and our anxiety grows. It took something dramatic to get Paul’s attention. We may experience the same. It’s not punishment, but discipline (Proverbs 3:12). Just like a parent corrects a child. It’s out of love. We need to have lighter grip on our plans. Be open to adjustments. Be open to closed doors.
We don’t really know what’s of God and what isn’t. So, we should be careful to credit Him for things. It’s all a hunch. Include Him in the dialogue. For example, “Lord, I’m planning to go here and do that. Be with me. If You have other ideas, please intervene. Help me to be open.” When something fails, it may or may not be His will. Pray and attempt it again. He will aide us in the direction.
Lord, thank You that You want to guide us in Your great love and wisdom. Help us to learn Your ways.