FULFILLING THE WILL OF GOD

Recently, it occurred to me that there are three variables by which we, as believers, can ascertain whether a job, or ministry is right for us, and whether, ultimately, we are in the very center of the will of God for our lives. 

#1. Open Doors - We serve a God who has assured us in scripture that “what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” (Isaiah 22:22).

We have all “been there.” Suddenly, and without warning the opportunity of a lifetime just casually “drops in our lap.” This happened to me, just after the turn of the century, when I was offered the position of adjunct professor at a local university; which I had attended a full forty years earlier.

#2. Interests - I believe a job or ministry should align with our interests. I believe God operates this way. In Psalm 37:4 we read, “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Not only are we to delight ourselves in the Lord, but because He delights Himself in us, it pleases Him to give us the desires of our heart. If and when we spend an inordinate amount of time in a job or ministry which we dislike, our wherewithal to invest our heart, and subsequent efforts in it will probably be minimal, and we are liable to end up bored and unfulfilled.

#3. Abilities - A door may swing open before us, and we may have a great interest in a given job or ministry, but if our abilities or talents are not aligned with it, it’s probably not for us. Although allow me to add a small disclaimer. If indeed one has the requisite interest in a vocation, advocation or ministry, and if that person is afforded the time and finances to do so, he or she may very well prepare themselves academically to pursue such an opportunity.



From my way of thinking, all three variables, open doors, our interests and our abilities, are leading indicators of God’s will for our lives at any given time, and all three of these variables must be present in our attempt to properly ascertain His will.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending