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“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

I live in Florida—and I absolutely love it. But if you had told me just two years ago that I’d be moving to the Sunshine State, I would have laughed and said that you’re out of your mind. See, we’d just recently left North Carolina to make our “rest-of-our-lives” home in the mountains of Virginia. That being said, in the 15 years we spent in North Carolina, each of the three residences we owned in that place was also “we’re-not-moving-again” homes. And then (moving backward in time) there was that 1920 bungalow in Loveland, CO, the 1890 Victorian in Colorado Springs, and the new construction “dream” home we built in Richmond, Virginia before that. You guessed it; each one had been our “forever” home—because that was our plan.

Yeah, I don’t say that anymore. I “hope” we don’t move again, but in my long (and often arduous and incredible) sanctification journey as a Christ-follower, I’ve come to the settled understanding of “Your will, not mine, Lord.”

And this learning is not just related to geographical moves. As believers, we must recognize that the ideal place to be is in God’s will—no matter the aspect of our life. His will is always going to be for our ultimate good and His deserved glory. Even if it doesn’t feel like it all the time.

Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. This godly, truth-following boy was sold into slavery by his brothers only to be (after his own arduous and incredible journey) elevated to second in command in all of Egypt. When he finally came face to face with his brothers, he reflected the grace of God and told them, “What you meant for evil, the Lord meant for good.” (It’s an AMAZING saga, and you can read all about it in Genesis, chapters 37-50.) His obedience led him to a desert pit and later to prison. But following God’s will also brought Joseph big-time good…and God was big-time glorified. And friend, there are so many testimonies like this in the Bible! Even Jesus exemplified “Your will, not mine” obedience when He prayed in the garden before submitting to the Cross (Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:42). And the Christian goal is to be more like Him, right?

When it comes to obeying God’s will, you may think, “Well, how do I know what God’s will is for me?” That’s actually an easy answer: His Word is His will. Start there. The more obedient we are to His Word, the clearer and easier it is to know and do His will. And it becomes a true joy to do so! “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). Then, simply ask Him for His will for you. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit as our live-in counselor! Now, God may not give us a big picture path from the start, but He’ll definitely give us the first step. Then, we must obediently take that step.

I clearly professed that it was my will that many of 15 addresses in four states were my forever homes. But I am grateful that when the Lord had other plans, we obeyed. (In these and other things!) Friend, choose to stay in God’s will. I promise (and so does He), it’s the best place to be.

“Lord, let me pray, talk, and live like Jesus, surrendering daily to Your will…for my good and Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life