Matthew 12:14
“But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.”
This is crazy. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day sought to destroy Him. He was their Messiah, they were supposed to be promoting Him. Jesus wasn’t what they expected. That seems to be how God does things, differently from what we thing He’ll do.
Isaiah 55:8,9 says, ‘“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.”‘ I had a situation in the fall that went very differently than I would have expected. I was convinced that God would do this. He didn’t. It took about six weeks to figure out it wasn’t going my way. It was very frustrating. It’s fine now. But I wouldn’t have expected that outcome.
In the early church the pharisees were opposing the apostles. Their leader, Gamaliel said this to them in Acts 5:39, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” I’m certain I tried to work my will in my life many times. Yet God had different ideas. I had to learn to submit myself to Him. I was fighting against God and His will for me.
How are we to know God’s will for our lives? If it is scriptural or against scripture, go with scripture. However, much of life isn’t in the bible. How do we navigate that? Much of life is up to our choice. However, He will interject where it does matter. Opened and closed doors are one way. Peace in our hearts is another.
Don’t be stubborn and push our way. If there is a closed door we should pray and knock. If it’s His will He will open it. If not, then He won’t.
When we are in His will it’s like riding a wave. We are being pushed by it. There is momentum. Seek His will. Pray for it. Then live life, loving and forgiving others.
Lord, thank You for Your ways. Help us to seek them. Help us to recognize when it’s not. Help us not to be opposing You.