DISCOVERING THE WILL OF GOD
Meanwhile, the disciples were urging him, saying, Rabbi, eat. But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work." John 4:31-34
The last time the disciples saw Jesus, he was resting by the well. They left him to go find some food in town. When they returned, they were astonished to discover that he was talking to a woman, and a Samaritan woman at that. After she left him, breathless, dropping her water jar as she ran away, they proceeded to let him know that they had acquired food to share. Jesus let them know that eating was no longer on his mind. He had feasted on the will of His Father and was completely preoccupied by the wonder of the Samaritan woman's conversion. The adrenalin of that eclipsed any earthly meal.
Phillips Brooks, an American clergyman and Bishop of Massachusetts in the 1890's said, "Seek your life's nourishment in your life's work." David said it another way. "I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, They Law is within my heart." (Ps. 40:8) Jesus, in doing his Father's will, found such profound fulfillment that nothing on earth could touch it. The will of God should energize, not drain.
I've known quite a few people who have prayed half a lifetime to discover the will of God. Thinking at various times that they found it, it was distasteful to them. Drudgery. Based on Jesus' response and other scriptures that support it, I would venture to say that perhaps God's will wasn't found at all. Their work wasn't a source of joy and satisfaction.
I've lived both sides of the coin. For forty four years, I missed the joy of the Christian life. For most of my adult life, I worked like a slave in the kingdom. Burning out, bordering on a nervous breakdown, I came to realize that I knew virtually nothing about God's love and God's plan for my life. In 1997, God took me back to basics. With nothing but time on my hands, he re-wired me through the power of His Word. He revealed myself to me - and in the process - I recognized my true call to the ministry. With only a few exceptions, most every day is one where I bounce out of bed to go do what I love. I am grateful to say that I understand David's statement.
God's will may not always be easy, it may even involve suffering, but the true call will be exhilarating. Partnering with the Spirit of Christ is so synergistic, it offers spiritual combustion and profound fellowship while working. It culminates in a resting that is rooted in complete and utter satisfaction.
Thank you for beginning to transform my appetite. I have so much farther to go though. Let me completely discover my whole calling and not miss ONE part. Amen
