Life often presents us with a fundamental question: “What’s next?” This wondering transcends age and experience. Whether you’re a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, a recent graduate exploring new horizons, or even a seasoned individual with years of wisdom, the desire to understand life’s direction, especially in alignment with a higher purpose, is a common thread. Many of us strive to decipher God’s will for our lives, hoping it will reveal the secret to a happy and fulfilling existence.

Understanding God’s Will - Beyond Your Circumstances:

For many, understanding God’s will can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle. We might believe that God has a precise picture for our lives, and our task is simply to put the pieces together. This perspective often leads us to ask questions like: “Should I attend this particular college?”; “Should I take this job?”; “Is this difficulty a sign this isn’t God’s will?” or even, “As I reflect on life, have I genuinely fulfilled the unique purpose God had for me?” While the desire to align our lives with God’s will is commendable, this line of questioning often reflects a common misunderstanding.

A frequent misapplication of Jeremiah 29:11, which states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,” contributes to this confusion. In its original context, it represented a promise of restoration and hope for Judah as they went into Babylonian captivity, not a universal directive for individual life choices.

God’s Will - A Focus on Character

However, living out God’s will for your life is much simpler than we imagine. It’s less about being in the right set of circumstances and more about being the right kind of person. Consider these verses:

• After discussing the Christian's need to walk in the love of Christ and rejecting immoral living, Paul adds, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

• Paul instructed the Thessalonians on the will of God by saying, “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7)

• Beyond living a sanctified life, Paul also implored, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

• Finally, Peter, writing to persecuted Christians, revealed, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15)

These passages highlight a clear pattern: God’s will for your life centers on your character and your actions. It’s about striving for sanctification, cultivating a spirit of rejoicing and prayer, and actively doing good. You might find yourself in what seems like the “perfect” circumstances, yet if your character isn’t aligned with God’s principles, what good would that do? God’s will, when viewed through the lens of Scripture, is straightforward. It encourages us to explore His word to understand the kind of person He calls us to be.

I'd like you to take a moment to reflect on the individuals who have profoundly shaped your spiritual journey. Perhaps it was a parent, a grandparent, a Bible class teacher, an elder, a preacher, or a dear friend whose faith shone brightly and guided your steps. Their wisdom, encouragement, and very presence often served as a steadying force in our lives. But what happens when that powerful spiritual influence is removed? Do we maintain the same course, holding fast to the truths they instilled, or do we risk straying into the wilderness of our own desires? When those who helped us navigate toward our heavenly home are gone, what will keep us from losing sight of the destination? A scene in the life of David, particularly after the death of the prophet Samuel, offers a compelling look at this very crossroads.

1. David Before Samuel’s Death | 1 Sam 24

a. Saul mercilessly sought to kill David. | vv. 1-3; cf. 1 Sam 18:10-11, 29; 19:11; 20:30-33 

b. But David graciously spared Saul’s life. | vv. 4-7

c. He pleaded with Saul to end his pursuit. | vv. 8-22

d. Psalms 57 and 142 reflect David’s God-trusting mood during this time. 

2. Samuel’s Death | 1 Sam 25:1a

a. For Israel, he was a prophet, judge, and the anointer of kings. | 1 Sam 3:20; 7:15-17; 10:1-27

b. But for David, he was a mentor and spiritual influencer. | 1 Sam 16:12-13; 19:18-24

c. His death represented a significant loss for the nation and David alike. | v. 1a 

3. David After Samuel’s Death | 1 Sam 25:1b-42

a. David exiled himself in the wilderness of Paran. | v. 1b; cf. Num 12:16-14:45

b. Nabal, a man David helped during this time, disrespected him and his men. | vv. 2-11

c. So, David impulsively sought to kill Nabal and all his men. | vv. 12-13; contrast: Psa 57:2-3

d. But Abigail wisely restrained David from seeking his own vengeance. | vv. 14-42

e. With his moral compass reoriented, David will spare Nabal and Saul’s lives. | 1 Sam 26:1-25

4. When the strong spiritual voices that have guided us fall silent, we may find ourselves more easily swayed by our weaknesses and risk losing our way on the path they have helped us see.

5. Preparing for Spiritual Transition:

a. Stay alert to the temptations that arise following the loss of a spiritual mentor. | Act 20:28-32

b. Follow their faithful example to share in their reward. | 2 Tim 3:10-4:8

c. Teach spiritual self-sufficiency over spiritual dependency. | 2 Pet 1:3-15

We often find ourselves reflecting on what those we’ve lost would have wanted for us. We might think, “Oh, they would have loved this,” or “They would have wanted that.” While such sentiments are nice, if we could hear their voices from the other side of eternity, I believe their deepest desire would echo the profound wisdom of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: “Let us hear the end of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” From David, we saw how easily one can stray when a strong spiritual influence is removed. Those who have gone before us wouldn’t want us to falter in our faith or lose our way. So, let’s honor the memory by living a life that truly matters for eternity until we join them in God’s everlasting presence.