What Never Passes

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 
1 John 2:17 (ESV)

How do you know if what you want is actually what God wants for you?

Early in my ministry, I was sure I’d found the woman I was supposed to marry. But she wasn’t the one, and looking back, I thank God His will overruled mine. Five decades into our marriage, I see how Teresa was absolutely God’s will for me through and through. But I needed to learn something: 

What you think you want and what God wants for you are not always the same thing. 

As a pastor, I’ve watched people struggle to follow God’s will, trying to understand whether a particular decision was their desire or God’s. Should I move, buy that house, marry this person, or take that job? 

Desire can lead you straight into God’s will or straight into heartache. The difference isn’t how strongly you feel it. The real test is in today’s verse: “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17, ESV). Ask yourself where this desire comes from. Does it come from the world: 

Does your body want it? 

Do your eyes want more, even when you already have enough? 

Do you want people to notice you and be impressed?

Or is it God's will? And once you know the answer, don't just think about it. Do it. Doing God's will is what lasts forever.

So before you sign the contract, take the job, or get into that relationship, run it through these tests. Ask God, “Is this what I want, or what You want for me?” Then listen for His answer. Open His Word and see if it lines up or contradicts what you’re about to do. Then call the person who knows you best and knows the Lord too, and ask for the truth, even if it’s not what you want to hear.

What you feel right now will pass. What He wills for you never does.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the truth in Your Word and the confidence I have when I follow Your Will. Lord, I confess that I don’t always know if what I want is what You want. Test my desires today. Give me the patience to wait for Your answer; I trust Your will over my wants. In Jesus’ name, Amen.