Colossians 1:9-10 God's Will

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [Colossians 1:9-10 NASB]

I think one of the most common questions Christians ask is "What is God's will for me?" It was Paul's prayer for the Colossians, and by extension, all Christians, that we know Gods will.

In the most general sense, this is easy to answer. It is His will that we be saved, that we bring others into the kingdom, and that we love one another. But the question that plaques so many believers is more specifically, "What does God want me to do? Am I supposed to be a missionary to Africa? Or pastor a church? Or teach Sunday School? Or anything else?"

In understanding God's will, we come to the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge may say, "I am supposed to share the gospel." Wisdom will tell you where and how; whether it is preaching in tent revivals, or sharing a quiet word with a coworker. Knowledge may say, "I am supposed to teach God's word to uplift believers." Wisdom will tell you whether you are supposed to stand up in front of a church, lead a small group, or share what you know in less formal conversations.

God gives each of us a gift, and it is up to us to identify that gift and use it for Him. Whether your gifting is in music, organizing events, helping others, or whatever. And don't get hung up on labels. My wife is gifted as a pastor. That doesn't mean that she "pastors" a church. She doesn't hold the title of "Pastor". But she listens and genuinely cares about other people, providing comfort and encouragement. She fulfills the definition of a pastor, and uses her gift every day at work and at home.

You can usually identify your gift as something that you do anyway. A person with the gift of evangelism can walk into a crowd of strangers, talk about Jesus, and make converts. He will do this without having to "work up" the courage, or feel strange doing it. It just comes naturally.

Knowing your gifting may take time and prayerful searching. It's a good idea to ask the opinion of others whose opinion you trust. We are told in Proverbs

A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, [Proverbs 1:5 NASB]

Once you have identified your gift, then what? James says, 

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [James 1:5 NASB]

Pray for wisdom and trust God to put a desire in you heart, or to place you where you need to be. He can lead you by opening or closing doors of opportunity. If you feel like you are called to be a missionary, then speak to the leaders of your church. If you believe God wants you to play your guitar during worship time, then speak to the worship leader. You may already be right where God wants you, but you don't yet realize it. Be open to using your gift right where you are.

Pray and ask for wisdom to know God's will for you. Step out in faith to do His work. The more your knowledge of God increases, the more faithfully you will be able to do His will. The more you faithfully do His will, the more you will increase in the knowledge of God.

Heavenly Father, I agree with Paul's prayer for myself and for the church, that we will be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and that we may walk in a manner worthy of You.