Have you ever asked yourself quietly: “Is this my own desire, or is it God’s will?” This question often arises when we are making important decisions about work, relationships, ministry, or the future. Indeed, distinguishing between personal desires and God’s will is not easy. But this is where our faith journey is tested and matured.
Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” The human heart can deceive, even itself. What we feel is “good” does not necessarily come from God. Sometimes we say “God told me” when it is only a mask for personal ambition.
God’s will often conflicts with comfort. Just look at Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 22:42, He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Even Jesus prayed that the Father’s will would be done, not His own human desire.
Following God’s will is not always pleasant at first, but it always produces eternal fruit. Meanwhile, personal desires may give instant satisfaction but often end up empty. Therefore, we need to learn to live in submission: to submit our desires and allow God’s will to lead.
How? Through honest prayer, through meditating on the Word, and through the calmness of heart when the peace of God leads. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” If we truly want to obey, God will not let us go astray in our choices.
