How to Know That This Is The Will of God?
[ Preached by Pastor Kenneth Chin at Acts Church Malaysia – 18 February 2018 ]
Nehemiah 2:17-18 New King James Version (NKJV)
17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.
As firm believers, we have a great desire to know if a major decision we are making is aligned to God’s will. Yet often, it can be difficult to determine if that new home, business venture or even life partner is the right one in God’s eyes.
When Acts Botswana faced a similar situation while finding for a new church venue in early 2018, Pastor Kenneth was inspired to share three ways that would help them ( and all believers ) determine if something is in line with God’s will.
FUTURE
In Nehemiah 2:17 – 18, both Nehemiah and the people were determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. All were determined to do this because they saw their future in the work. Similarly, before we step into a major decision, we must first see that something is good.
Reflection:
Can your wife, business partner or friend agree in the future of this decision you are making? Is it a future full of supernatural potential?
Action:
Do not go in blind, open your eyes and see it as God does.
FAVOUR
If you see a future in a decision, what is sought next is usually favour. Nehemiah found favour with the King, he did not just get permission from the King for work leave to return to Jerusalem, he also received the helpful letters, materials and resources that he asked for.
Reflection:
If this is unbelievable favour from a human king, what more from the King of kings?
Action:
As we step into our future, first seek the Lord’s favour. It requires spiritual boldness to ask for the impossible, whether it is provision, direction or priority to achieve that decision.
FAITH
After seeing the future and after having the favour, God looks for your faith. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. If anything, faith is the clearest indication on whether or not God is in a decision. If you can accomplish something by yourself, you do not practice faith and in turn, leave God out of the equation. He will show you your future, He will provide favour, but He will always leave some room for your faith to move and compel Him to complete your miracle!
Reflection:
Where is your faith at and how much faith you have in God?
Action:
Your future will continue in the path your faith cuts for you. If you are feeling stuck, remember faith to continue the journey that he had begun in you.
Let us ensure that we will be able to keep running with:
- Future in sight
- Favour in stride and
- Faith as our strength to solution