When I first met John, I was obsessed with trying to figure out how to do God’s will in my life. I believed God wanted me to do certain things in my life – on a daily basis as well as long-term goals – to please Him, but I was falling short of understanding His will and carrying it out.
John said: “You’re already doing God’s will, otherwise you wouldn’t be doing what you’re doing.”
This response has always perplexed me. First, it seems too simplistic. Second, and more important, I fear it could be used as an excuse for doing all sorts of unholy things. I mean, just because I can do something (or AM doing something) doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good for me or for other people around me.
However, lately, I sense that I’ve come to a better understanding about doing God’s will. It means (to me) doing whatever needs to be done in the moment, carrying out my duties as they present themselves in each moment. It also means doing everything (including just sitting and breathing) with at least a background awareness of God’s presence.
So, doing God’s will isn’t anything fancy or complicated. It includes everything from getting out of bed on time for work to taking care of my health to paying my bills, doing my chores and serving people with kindness and compassion.
I can accept this. I can do this. My problem is that I’m always looking for something grand and exciting that God MUST want me to do. My desire is for doing big things, “important” things, to please God. But that’s MY will, not God’s will.
My task is to be and to breathe, to do whatever tasks need to be done – all the while loving God and loving my neighbor.
John and Lisa's Blue Skies Blog - Soaring with God 
Well put Lisa…you always seem to be reading my thoughts or write on topics I’ve meditated on myself. This was a big one for me a few years ago. It’s still hard to comprehend, but I think we are all living amazing lives as long as we live, love, and just be true to our Self every moment (as best we can, of course)!
By: christine on January 11, 2012
at 5:51 pm
Thanks Christine! You and I always seem to think alike! 🙂
By: Lisa on January 11, 2012
at 9:52 pm
You can’t be doing “grand and exciting” things all the time, however after some time you will be able to look back and you will realize that something grand did occur due to your doing God’s will. it will be the small things that together made something extraordinary. You’ll see. Keep doing what you’re doing.
By: Lisa Kearns on January 11, 2012
at 11:38 pm
Lisa, this reminds me of the metaphor of the tapestry which I heard years ago. It says that in this life, we seem to be looking at our life as the back of a tapestry as it’s being woven. It looks very messy and complicated. It makes no sense to us. After we die, God shows us the front of the tapestry and we see what a masterpiece it really is. It makes sense. It’s beautiful. 🙂
By: Lisa on January 12, 2012
at 8:07 am
Well written my friend. Sometimes, I think or say to God “what is it you want me to do?” thinking that it’s some great thing but it’s the daily that he wants me to do. I go back to “give us this day our daily bread.” I have to find God in the daily bread. Lately my daily bread feels like I’m eating tons of broccoli – need it but getting tired of the taste. Looking foward to when God gives me Oreos on a daily basis 🙂
By: Maribeth on January 12, 2012
at 12:22 am
Love it, Maribeth!
By: Lisa on January 12, 2012
at 8:02 am