✝️ Why Men Still Miss It

💪 Why do we make knowing God's will so complicated?

Good morning, my brothers! Have you ever begged God to reveal His will to you? Me, too. I’ve been exploring this question over the last few weeks, as many of our fraternity brothers have been discussing it. God has spoken to us more clearly than perhaps we’ve realized. Could it be simpler to discern His will than we’ve thought? See what you think! Let’s go!

This week: 4 minute, 59 second read

PERSPECTIVE
Living the Will of God

“Lord, what is Your will for my life?”

That question has echoed in my heart more times than I’d like to admit. Maybe you’ve asked it too. Maybe it has come late at night when your mind would not rest, or in the middle of a major decision about your career, family, or future. It can feel like God is silent, like you are stumbling forward without a map.

Recently, while studying the book of Acts, I was reminded that God does, in fact, speak. In Acts 8, the angel of the Lord told Philip to leave his fruitful ministry in Samaria and take a desert road. Philip did not know why, but he obeyed, and ended up leading an Ethiopian official to Christ, opening the door for the gospel to spread into Africa.

In Acts 9, God told Ananias to go and pray for Saul, the persecutor of Christians. Ananias hesitated, but eventually obeyed, and history was changed.

As I read those stories, I found myself saying, “Lord, why don’t You speak that clearly to me?” And then the Spirit whispered: I already have. My Word is in your hand. Every page, every line, is Me speaking to you.

It struck me with force. God’s will is not hidden. He has already spoken with clarity in Scripture. Yes, He sometimes gives specific direction that takes intimacy and a discerning Spirit. And this personal will is unique to each of us.

But the vast majority of His will has already been revealed. It’s not mysterious. We don’t need to be theological giants to live in His will.

Actually, for you and me, much of His will is right in front of us, and the real question is not “What is His will?” but “Will I obey it?”

The Revealed Will of God in the New Testament

The New Testament outlines seven major areas of God’s revealed will that impact every aspect of life. He wants us to live them out, empowered and transformed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. He promises that we will not only know His will, but we will also become the men He has called us to be.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

1. Spirit-Led Personal Holiness

  • Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18): Each morning, before you check your phone, pray, “Holy Spirit, fill me today.” Choose to pause and pray for wisdom before making decisions at work.

  • Sanctification / Sexual Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3): When tempted to look at something online you should not, shut down the browser and turn to Scripture. Ask a trusted brother to hold you accountable.

  • Be holy in all conduct (1 Peter 1:15–16): At the office, avoid the crude jokes that circle around. Instead, speak words that build others up.

  • Cleanse body and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1): Replace music, shows, or habits that dull your walk with God with things that draw you closer to Him.

  • Keep from idols (1 John 5:21): Watch how much time you spend on sports, money, or social media. If they take the place of God, cut them back.

  • Present your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1): Offer your daily schedule to God before you dive into it. Treat every responsibility as an act of worship.

2. Surrender and Live Victoriously

  • Deny yourself, take up your cross (Luke 9:23): When your pride wants recognition at work, choose instead to serve quietly without seeking credit.

  • Stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13): Speak truth with love when conversations at work or with friends question biblical values.

  • Resist the devil (James 4:7): Shut down the lie that you are not enough by quoting Scripture out loud, reminding yourself of God’s truth.

  • Rejoice in trials (James 1:2–4): When life throws unexpected financial strain, thank God for the opportunity to trust Him rather than complain.

  • Run the race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1–2): Stay faithful in prayer and obedience even when you feel spiritually dry, remembering Christ endured for you.

  • Be ready for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42): Live today as if Jesus could return tonight. Speak kindly, forgive quickly, and serve faithfully.

3. Worship and Adore

  • Abide in Christ (John 15:4–5): Begin your morning with Scripture before checking email. Stay connected to the vine throughout the day.

  • Live crucified (Galatians 2:20): When tempted to live for yourself, remember you belong to Christ. Let your choices reflect that reality.

  • Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17): On your drive, instead of zoning out, turn the time into prayer for your family, coworkers, or neighbors.

  • Rejoice always (Philippians 4:4): Choose joy when your plans fall apart. Trust that God’s hand is guiding even the hard moments.

  • Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18): Around the dinner table, share not just what went wrong in your day but something you’re grateful for.

4. Love and Forgive in Humility

  • Love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39): Make it a priority to attend church with your family and love your neighbor by checking in on them regularly.

  • Walk in love (Ephesians 5:2): Serve your spouse by doing something thoughtful without expecting anything in return.

  • Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32): Let go of that grudge against a friend or sibling, remembering how much God has forgiven you.

  • Live in true humility (Philippians 2:3–4): Let another person take the credit at work when the project was a team effort.

  • Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2): When a brother in Christ is struggling financially, help with a meal or a bill.

  • Practice hospitality (Romans 12:13): Open your home for a meal, even if it is simple. Hospitality does not have to be fancy.

  • Live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18): Refuse to escalate an argument. Seek resolution and peace instead of winning the fight.

5. Live Sacrificially, With No Expectations

  • Honor parents (Ephesians 6:1–2): Call your parents and listen with patience, showing respect even when it requires time.

  • Love your wife sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25–31): End your day by asking your wife how you can serve her, then follow through.

  • Raise children in the Lord (Ephesians 6:4): Pray with your kids before bed and talk about Scripture at the dinner table.

  • Marital love and faithfulness (Ephesians 5:25): Guard your marriage by being transparent with your time and conversations.

6. Evangelize and Serve

  • Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20): Ask a younger man at church if he would like to meet weekly to read Scripture together.

  • Be witnesses (Acts 1:8): Share your testimony with a coworker who asks why your attitude is different.

  • Do good works (Ephesians 2:10): Volunteer to help at a local shelter, serving in ways God has prepared for you.

  • Use spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10–11): If you have the gift of encouragement, send a note or message to someone who needs it today.

  • Bear fruit (John 15:8): Ask yourself at the end of the week, “Did my life point anyone closer to Christ?”

7. Work in Your Mission Field

  • Work diligently (2 Thessalonians 3:10–12): Do your job with excellence even if no one is watching. Avoid laziness or cutting corners.

  • Do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31): Approach even the mundane parts of your work, like answering emails or cleaning up, as worship.

  • Walk in wisdom toward outsiders (Colossians 4:5): Speak respectfully to your coworkers, especially those who do not share your faith.

  • Obey governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13–15): Pay your taxes honestly and follow the rules of your workplace as a testimony.

  • Test everything, hold fast to the good (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22): Evaluate what you read, watch, and listen to, and choose what is true and life-giving.

A Clear Call

God’s will is not vague. It is not hidden. It is written plainly in His Word and lived out in the ordinary moments of our lives.

So, my brothers, let me ask you:

  • Will you fight for purity when temptation whispers?

  • Will you surrender your pride when frustration rises?

  • Will you stop to pray when life feels chaotic?

  • Will you forgive when holding a grudge feels easier?

  • Will you love your family with sacrificial service, not selfish expectation?

  • Will you open your mouth and share Christ with someone this week?

  • Will you work with integrity, treating even the unseen tasks as worship to God?

This is the will of God. This is your call.

The only question left is whether you and I will obey.

Probing Questions for Next Steps

  1. Do you feel you understand the role of the Holy Spirit enough to surrender control to Him, moment by moment? If not, have you studied John 14 and 16 recently?

  2. Which one of the seven areas of God’s revealed will most challenges you right now, and why?

  3. Where are you most tempted to drift into passivity instead of active obedience?

  4. What step of repentance or surrender is God prompting you to take today?

  5. Who in your life could you invite into accountability to help you walk in obedience?

  6. How can you begin living out the Great Commission in your own home, workplace, or community this week?

  7. What daily habit could you start tomorrow that would help you stay connected to Christ?

  8. Is there a person you need to forgive, encourage, or serve in order to obey God’s revealed will?

  9. How will you remind yourself that ordinary moments - work, family time, conversations—are sacred opportunities to live in God’s will?

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Thanks for joining us for MTM 58! I will see you back here for MTM 59 next Saturday morning. We’ll have some new sections added next week, in addition to our main article, so stay tuned! Be sure you are subscribed so that you will receive a new quick-hit Wednesday morning refresher, The Well.

Questions? Send a note to Will.

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