Choosing God’s Way
“God’s way” in life results in purpose, power, peace, and hope. God wants to direct your life all the time.
But the sinful part of you will always want your own way…the “self-centered way.” A self-centered life may get high on short-term pleasures, but usually ends up in fear, emptiness, loneliness, and finally despair.
However, at any moment of your day, you can get back on “God’s Way” and restore fellowship with Him. Simply take the following steps:
| 1.Choose to yieldto God.
(Romans 12:2) |
2.Confess yoursins.
(1John 1:9) |
3.Trust God thatHe is in control.
(1 John 5:14-15) |
“Spiritual Breathing”
To better understand how to walk in the Spirit on a moment-by-moment basis, Bill Bright compares it to breathing. When you breathe, you exhale impurities, and inhale pure air and oxygen. In “spiritual breathing”, you “exhale” sin–by confession, and “inhale” the Holy Spirit’s control–by faith. (Read Spirit-filled Life, by Bill Bright)
Once the Holy Spirit is in control of your life, he gives you extreme power to live for God.
| EXHALE:Confess your sins(1 John 1:9) | INHALEAsk the Holy Spirit tocontrol you
(Gal. 5:16) |
Power to Overcome Trials
“…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4).
Lars’ Story
As an unknown golfer, Lars Hansen had stunned the Canadian golf community by winning the Ontario Bantam Golf Championship at the young age of 13. With his flashy smile, charming good looks, and winsome personality, it seemed like Lars had what it took to bring happiness. But an inner void and lack of purpose led him to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. Soon Lars began reading the Bible, and sharing Christ with his friends. After playing collegiate golf in California and graduating in mathematics, Lars began working for a major corporation. At age 28 Lars began feeling weak, and was diagnosed with severe kidney failure. He eventually lost his kidneys, his eyesight, and finally his life, at age 35.
During the seven years that Lars’ athletic body, sight, and mobility deteriorated, his faith in Christ actually deepened. He listened to Christian radio broadcasts, and never asked, “Why?” Even in his deepest pain, he believed that God loved him, and had some unknown purpose for his trial. On his last night, Lars weakly prayed to his heavenly Father, trusting him with his future.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28).
Q What is God telling you in this verse that you can trust Him for? _________________________________________________________
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The test of whether or not you are living in the will of God is not that all your circumstances are trouble-free, but that you are living in faith and obedience to your Lord.