The Walls of His Will

Last week we learned about the significant role our obedience has in the sharpening of our ability to discern the word and will of God. I shared a personal story where I learned how our obedience serves as a safeguard or filter for screening God’s truth, therefore protecting us from the misconstrued interpretation brought on by the guilt, remorse, and even bitterness, hate and unforgiveness that comes from our disobedience. This week, I want to share with you about the protection of his will.

Eight years ago, The Lord told me, “You will get your degree while employed at your current job.” It would not be until five years later that I would go on to begin my Master’s degree. In between this time, however, the grant that funded my position expired, resulting in me moving on to another job at another agency. Then I received a call from my previous employer requesting my return as another position opened, so I did. It was not until I started my degree (three years later from the point of my return) that I realized that within the walls of God’s will, I had to return because his word was not yet fulfilled. His instructions were clear, “You will get your degree while employed at your current job.”

Fast forward two years and I am reconsidering my position at my job due to unsatisfactory job conditions. The countless times I found myself job searching and updating my resume, only to remember The Lord’s words and cease my attempts. As I recalled his words, I remember each time taking a deep breath and praying for his strength and endurance. God gave me his word, and it was my responsibility to make sure that I kept myself positioned and obedient so that I may receive the fullness of its fruition. As those job conditions changed they not only improved but also became more conducive to his will for me as I started my internship (a great concern for me with a full-time job). I am proud to say that I am on track towards graduating in five months, excitedly witnessing the fulfillment of his promise in real time.

My academic career has taught me that through my obedience, I am not only able to discern his word, but I am protected by his word and his will. Our obedience keeps us in his will so that we can have the glory of witnessing it unfold in real time with assurance of its unchanging and inevitably. There were times where others (including myself) would be nervous about me completing my intern hours, but I would remember his words and with confidence and conviction I would declare aloud, “Everything will work out because God said I would graduate while here.” His word is immutable, and he promises that he does not change (Malachi 3:6) and his word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19)

What promises has God given you? What has God revealed to you about his will and plans for your life? I can stand testimony that they will certainly come to pass, they have to for the sake of his own name! His word never comes returns to us void but the better question is not whether or not he will fulfill his promise, but rather are you in proper position (spiritually, mentally, physically, relationally, emotionally) to receive it? This is where our obedience plays its key role in the reconciliation of the fullness of his promise and plan and our reception.

There are walls to his will that are unwavering and protect us. The walls of God’s will does shake nor tremble, they stand fixed and secure. Everything must bow down to his word and be made conducive to its fulfillment, so our obedience keeps us steady in the boat while the storms around us settle themselves for our journey. Now, had I gone to another job, no telling how much unnecessary stress I would have brought my way as I attempted to pursue my degree. I am sure he would have made good of it, but at the expense of my own suffering and turbulence, and certainly it would not be as smooth and without turmoil as it is now within the constraints and protection of his will. So, I endured the harsh work conditions for the sake of his will, his word to me, and I was able to witness him make a “way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). Therefore, I implore you, friends, remain faithful and steadfast in obedience. Allow yourselves to remain confident of his unchanging word, and at peace and rest within the protection of his will because he who has promised is faithful.

Scripture References

“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23