One of the most important questions people have is how to find the will of God. We all want to understand God’s plans and purposes for our lives so we can walk in our divine destiny. Over the years, I’ve discovered that one major reason many people miss the will of God is that they simply miss the will of God. This might sound confusing, so let me clarify what I mean. God has laid up an inheritance for each and every one of us in Christ Jesus. This inheritance represents God’s will, which He made available to us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Why is this important? Imagine if Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, left an inheritance for a long-lost relative. This inheritance included one hundred million dollars, multiple mansions, luxury cars, and stock options in Wal-Mart. Now, picture that relative never finding out about this inheritance. They would spend the rest of their life living in an inferior reality. As a result, they might live in a modest house, drive basic cars, and even work a job they hate just to pay the bills, even though Mr. Walton had provided them with enough wealth to pursue a career they loved through education. This person would spend their entire life struggling instead of thriving.
Many Christians experience a similar situation. Most have only heard of and claimed one aspect of their inheritance: eternal salvation. This means that when we die, we will go to be with Jesus in heaven, but unfortunately many of us spend much of our lives living in hell on Earth. When we are unaware of our full inheritance in Him, we are left with inferior options. Let’s take a closer look at some examples of our inheritance:
- We Are New Creations – 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
- Righteousness – 2 Corinthians 5:21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
- Healing – 1 Peter 2:24 – who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose [a]stripes you were healed.
- Provision – Philippians 4:19 – And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- Wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:30But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—
- Blessed – Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
This is a brief overview of some of God’s provisions for us as outlined in His will. As you read through the New Testament, you will discover many more!
Practically, we can claim these blessings by faith, just as we would access money, houses, or vehicles that have been left to us in a will. When we learn about God’s promises, believe them, and declare them from our mouths, we make withdrawals on the will of God. This fundamentally changes everything!
For example, when I graduated from college, I discovered that it was God’s will for me to prosper. At the same time, the Lord put it on my heart to move to Colorado and attend Charis Bible College. If I had never learned that it was God’s will for me to prosper and claimed the promise of financial prosperity by faith, I would have never been able to get out of debt, save for three years of tuition, and cover the costs of moving halfway across the country. Knowing the inheritance God made available to me in Christ helped me fulfill His will, which led me to graduate from Charis Bible College and ultimately plant and pastor Grace Life Church.
After graduating from Charis, I had to make another withdrawal from the will of God to believe for the provision needed to start a church. He instructed me to move back to North Carolina to initiate this new church, yet I didn’t know anyone who was interested in joining a new church. Furthermore, I lacked the tens of thousands of dollars necessary to purchase the supplies and equipment needed for startup. So, what did I do? I prayed, and God gave me a strategy to connect with people who were looking for a new church that emphasized the messages of grace and faith. I also prayed the promises from Scripture regarding financial provision, and He supplied everything we needed to get started and thereby fulfill the will of God.
Don’t miss out on the will of God because you haven’t discovered it yet! If you’d like to learn more about what has been made available to you in Christ, I encourage you to check out this series called “New Creation Realities” that I taught at Grace Life Church. It’s truly a game changer!
