August 7 – What is God’s Will for You?

Hope for Today: A Daily Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus

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“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise….Therefore do not be unwise — but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15, 17

“That you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense.” Philippians 1:10 [See also Luke 12:36.]

Believers have nothing more at heart than the will of God. Being once convinced of that, they immediately hasten to fulfill it, at all hazards. But sometimes they cannot come to a thorough knowledge of the same without great conflicts and much patience (Hebrews 10:36); having to encounter the errors which prevail around them, their own prejudices, and the occasional darkness of the Divine dispensations. The Lord, however, will carry us through.

Yes, Lord, this You have done innumerable times. Oh, that I might trust You also for the time to come, and not be so weak in faith anymore. In general, “This is the will of God, even our sanctification.” In particular, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” It is, therefore, God’s will that I should live for Him, and strive to be like Him, and then go to live forever with Him.

Beloved self must be denied,
The mind and will renewed;
Passion suppressed and patience tried,
And vain desires subdued.

Flesh is a dangerous foe to grace,
Where it prevails and rules;
Flesh must be humbled, pride abased,
Lest they destroy our souls.

Lord, can a feeble, helpless worm
Fulfill a task so hard?
Your grace must all my works perform,
And give the free reward.

Devotion by Karl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690—1774)