Trusting God’s Will: His Word, His Way, His Plan

In Genesis, Rachel’s desperate cry, “Give me children, or else I die” (Genesis 30:1), is met with Jacob’s response, “Am I in the place of God?” This exchange captures the depth of Rachel’s longing and impatience. As we follow her story to its conclusion, we see that she tragically dies during childbirth. Her final act was to name her son Ben-Oni, meaning “son of my sorrow,” though Jacob later renames him Benjamin, meaning “son of my right hand.” This poignant moment carries an immense emotional weight.

As we reflect on Rachel’s plea, we can empathize with her desperation. How would we feel if our own children issued such ultimatums, not out of malice, but from sheer anguish? Her cry, born from human frailty, underscores a greater theological truth: our struggles with trust and faith can grieve the heart of our loving Creator.

God’s will is often discussed in two facets: His declared will and His hidden will. Understanding these concepts is crucial to deepening our faith and trust in Him.

The Declared Will of God

The declared will of God encompasses the truths He has revealed through His Word. These are the commandments, promises, and principles laid out in Scripture, offering clear guidance for how we should live. For example, Nahum 1:7 states:

*”The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”

This verse is a shining example of God’s declared will. It declares His goodness, His role as our refuge, and His intimate care for those who trust Him. Such promises are clear, direct, and provide unshakable hope.

In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul exhorts believers:

*”Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

This passage reinforces the importance of aligning our lives with God’s revealed truths. The declared will gives us a compass for life’s journey, urging us to walk in obedience.

The Hidden Will of God

God’s hidden will refers to aspects of His plan that are not explicitly revealed in Scripture. These are the questions we wrestle with in daily life: Which career should I pursue? Should I attend this event? Whom should I marry? While these decisions aren’t addressed directly in the Bible, God’s character and promises assure us that He is not playing hide-and-seek with us.

RC Sproul aptly pointed out that one of the tragedies in modern Christianity is our fixation on discovering God’s hidden will while neglecting obedience to His declared will. This distraction can lead us to miss the clarity and joy found in living according to God’s Word.

Nahum 1:7 bridges the gap between the declared and hidden will of God:

1. Trust in His Goodness: Even when we can’t see the full picture, we can trust that God’s hidden will is governed by His goodness.
2. Rely on His Strength: He is a stronghold in times of trouble, offering us refuge when we’re uncertain about the future.
3. Faith in His Care: God intimately knows those who trust in Him, assuring us that we’re not walking alone.

Trusting God’s Will: Key Scriptural Insights

1. Seek His Will in Prayer: Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes, focusing us on His kingdom rather than our uncertainties.
2. Submit to His Will: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His example reminds us to trust God’s plan, even when it requires surrender and sacrifice.
3. Follow the Spirit’s Guidance: Paul writes in Romans 8:14, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” The Holy Spirit empowers and directs us in making choices aligned with God’s will.
4. Live Wisely: In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul encourages us to make the best use of our time by understanding and obeying the Lord’s will. Wisdom and discernment are essential for navigating life’s uncertainties.
5. Trust in His Guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6 promises, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God’s declared will enables us to walk confidently, even when the path isn’t fully clear.
6. Rest in His Sovereignty: Psalm 23:3-4 reminds us, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” God’s presence assures us of His faithful guidance.

A Call to Trust

The interplay between God’s declared and hidden will invites us into a deeper relationship of trust. Nahum 1:7 encapsulates this beautifully: God is good, sovereign, and trustworthy. While His declared will offers clear guidance, His hidden will reminds us to walk by faith, trusting that His plans are for our good.

Let us not be consumed with finding answers to every hidden question but instead live in faithful obedience to what God has already revealed. As we trust His Word, follow His way, and rest in His will, we discover the peace and purpose He has for our lives.