Lessons to Learn
by Derek Puffett
When Scripture is clear about what is God’s will and His way, it’s relatively easy to make decisions that will bring future blessing. However there are times when we’re seeking God’s will for our lives, but find it’s not that simple to know what His will is. For instance how do we decide what to do when we want to buy a house, get married, or make a choice of going on holiday to a beautiful coastal resort or to a mission into Africa? I suppose in the latter case I would find it easy to make the choice – an exotic holiday. But, what is God’s will? And sometimes the seemingly practical things of life stop us from doing God’s will, like not having any money.
The answer for me is to spend time alone with Jesus. I find out what’s in my own heart and then I listen to His voice. This invariably settles me in my heart about the right thing to do. But the most important lesson I’ve learnt is not just to spend time with Him when I want something, but to enjoy being in the presence of our heavenly Father because we love Him. The apostle John says; ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him’ (1 John 5:14).
So when we approach God it’s important that we know and have that confidence that He hears us. When that happens, what we are asking for from God is as good as ours, even before we actually get it.
Jesus had this confidence and this is what He said to His Father just before He commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb; ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you always hear me’ (John 11:41).
I encourage you to make this a lesson to learn for 2010. Learn to know when God hears you.
Prayer: Father God, please help me to spend the best time of the day with You. Give me the confidence and faith to know Your will and the obedience to do what You want me to do, even if it’s contrary to the things on my heart. Teach me Your ways, Lord. Thank You. Amen
Derek Puffett is the Regional Director of Ellel Ministries, Africa. He was a Pastor for 12 years before joining Ellel in 2000. In 1986 he and his wife Beryl pioneered and established Telefriend, now under the management of Ellel. Telefriend is a South African National Christian telephone care line with an evangelistic emphasis.
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