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Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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What is God’s will in your life?

by Pastor Nilo Briones of “Jesus Word of Life International Fellowship”

Did you ever find yourself asking what is God’s will for you? Sometimes we stand at some crossroads in our life and don’t know which road to take. Strings of questions that need major decisions reverberate in our minds such as, “Which school should I go to?”, “What career should I pursue?”, “What job should I apply?” “What home should I buy?”, “Which person should I marry?” And how we wish God would visibly appear before us and talk audibly.

How does one discern God’s will for our lives in these times? A good start is the Bible, where we find God’s will for our lives. If you were driving on a road and a sign indicates, ”Speed Limit 60″, that would be a command. If it says, “Use Caution” that would be a principle. The Bible has both directions in terms of commands or principles as wisdom for our guidance. God gives us certain commands like, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified (or holy) and that you should avoid sexual immorality, that each of you should learn to control his own body” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Also, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And one good principle says, “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” (Romans 12:2).

Another important move is to seek God’s guidance through earnest prayer. Apostle James tells us if “anyone lacks wisdom he should ask of God who gives to all men liberally”. But we must be asking sincerely. As we cast our burdens to the Lord, He illumines our minds and gives peace in our heats that clears away our fears and cobwebs of confusion.

Furthermore, God directs us by evidential circumstances, which is graciously revealed when God closes a door and opens a window of opportunity. But we must always check it by the Word and prayer. Sometimes there is a sense of inner peace. In the olden times, some faithful servants asked God for a specific sign. Is it appropriate to ask God for a sign? Throughout the Bible we see biblical characters discerning God’s way in many different fashions. Some had God speak directly to them in a dream or vision; others cast lots (even the disciples in Acts 1); some asked for physical signs (like Gideon and the fleece in Judges 6:37-40). But before we start demanding that God gives us a sign, we need to remember that these biblical characters did not have the advantage of God’s Word or God’s Spirit to guide them. Today we can check God’s Word for guidance and we have God’s Spirit living within us to guide us into all truth. Asking for a sign when God has spoken clearly is not an act of faith.

Finally, there are other times when we “sense” God speaking to us – some kind of an “impression from God.” Take note that all impressions must be evaluated carefully by the clear and authoritative teaching of Scripture. Let’s not forget that God has given us His Spirit to guide us. He has given us minds to think and to weigh options and study our circumstances. Once you’re enlightened, walk by faith in doing God’s will for your life — which is to give you a good and abundant life to the honor and praise of His holy Name!

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“Jesus Word of Life International Fellowship” congregates at 175 Whitefield Drive NE (a 100-meter walk from NE Whitehorn C-train station). Schedule of Saturday Services include: 5:00-6:00 p.m. Bible Studies (adult/youth/children) and Worship at 6:00-7;30 p.m. followed by food and fellowship. Need prayers or visitation?…call Pastor Nilo Briones for ministration at (403) 973-0623 or e-mail at [email protected].

What is God’s will in your life?

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