Friday, February 15, 2008

How to Ascertain the Will of God

Mom sent this excerpt to me today, from George Muller's book Answers to Prayer.
How To Ascertain The Will of God

1 - I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it maybe. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

2 - Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3 - I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.

4 - Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5 - I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright.

6 - Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and in transactions involving most important issues, I have found this method always effective. GEORGE MULLER

We are on the mend, thankfully. We were even able to have Bible study here last night. The cough is still around, but each day we feel just a little more strength. And there is just the slightest hope of spring - I'm clinging to it. Can't wait to open these windows and air this place out!

5 comments:

Reagan said...

I love this post - Thanks for sharing.

Beth said...

Good post. Very practical. Good to hear that you are all feeling better.

Kelly said...

I am so glad that you are beginning to feel better. thanks for the post. I am tackling the topic of the will of God for our lives with the jr high/high school girls! It's been wonderfully refreshing for me! I hope to post some about it soon! Love you!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that you guys are feeling better. Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing this. It was perfect for where my husband and I are right now. He is btween jobs and finances are super tight..the will of God is exactly what we are looking for. -Sarah (Traxler) Leonard