God is always pleased to reveal His will to us. But at times, we cannot receive the message. Something in our life is creating a barrier to hearing Him. Obstacles to the believer include:
Self-will. Sometimes, we decide what we're going to do without God's input. We still talk to Him about our plan, even thinking it is so logical that the Lord must agree. But we have stopped listening for His will.
Influence. It's wise to seek godly counsel. But believers must be careful whom they allow to influence them. Many people will say what someone else wants to hear rather than what is actually needed.
Sin. There are two ways it hinders our ability to know God's will. First, our spirit is clouded so we cannot determine His mind. Second, the Father may not reveal the next step in His plan because He's waiting for us to repent and become willing to obey.
Distraction. One of the most subtle obstructions to knowing God's will is busyness. Our hands and our minds are so full we don't have the patience to wait and listen. The Lord does not chase after us, trying to force us to hear Him. Psalm 46:10—"Be still, and know that I am God"—is His simple solution for clearing the clutter of overbooked lives.
The next time you seem unable to determine the Lord's will, try slowing down so that you can focus on Him. Don't stop in your service to Him; rather find the non-essentials in your life and set them to the side. Then, consider whether you might have allowed one of these barriers to be constructed between you and God. Ask, and He will gladly help you to dismantle it.
Self-will. Sometimes, we decide what we're going to do without God's input. We still talk to Him about our plan, even thinking it is so logical that the Lord must agree. But we have stopped listening for His will.
Influence. It's wise to seek godly counsel. But believers must be careful whom they allow to influence them. Many people will say what someone else wants to hear rather than what is actually needed.
Sin. There are two ways it hinders our ability to know God's will. First, our spirit is clouded so we cannot determine His mind. Second, the Father may not reveal the next step in His plan because He's waiting for us to repent and become willing to obey.
Distraction. One of the most subtle obstructions to knowing God's will is busyness. Our hands and our minds are so full we don't have the patience to wait and listen. The Lord does not chase after us, trying to force us to hear Him. Psalm 46:10—"Be still, and know that I am God"—is His simple solution for clearing the clutter of overbooked lives.
The next time you seem unable to determine the Lord's will, try slowing down so that you can focus on Him. Don't stop in your service to Him; rather find the non-essentials in your life and set them to the side. Then, consider whether you might have allowed one of these barriers to be constructed between you and God. Ask, and He will gladly help you to dismantle it.
