The Will of God

World Youth Congress

January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Unraveling the Mystery

Read the following texts:
Jeremiah 29:11
Hebrews 1:1-3
James 1-5
PART 1: MYTHS (Why?)
Activity (5 mins): Divide teens into groups of 4-5. Give each group a scenario to
discuss.
1) If you were in a position to comfort the family of Virginia Tech victims, how
would you answer the question, Was this Gods will?
2) Your best friend is in her second year of college. She and her boyfriend have
been dating steadily for several years. They even talked about getting
married. Now he wants to transfer to another college. Does she go with
him? Does she stay? Her question to you is, What if hes the one and I
mess this up? How would you respond?
3) You studied for an occupation, deeply convicted that God had led you to it.
But doctors discover an unchangeable physical condition that disqualifies you
for it. Did you misunderstand God?
Discussion (5 mins)
Myths (10 mins)

*Credit Troy Fitzgerald; this section based on his book, Discovering Gods Will

Myth #1: The One and Only Blues

God has a very specific plan for our lives.

This is the most paralyzing myth (boyfriend/career)

My house experience; womans guidance

View of God: freedom vs. control

Decisions do have consequences BUT (next section)

Myth #2: Sign Language
If God wants to communicate with you, Hell give you a sign.

Yes, God has used them (Saul on road, Paul in prison, Gideon and fleece)

BUT [read John 4:48]

[Show sample signs]

Story of Elijah (1 Kings 19:10-12)
Signs are easier than relationship

Myth #3: The Gospel of Common Sense

God gave you a brain, and He expects you to use it for all your decision-making

God does not expect us to ask for every little thing . . .

Common sense is good, BUT not always equal to Gods will

Noahnever rained; Davidlots smaller than Goliath; Marya virgin

conceiving a child

Must always agree with Word of God (Example: woman in Washington)

PART 2: MODEL (What?)
Activity (5 mins): Have the teens stand along a continuum line created on the floor
with tape. On one end is the sign Most of life is decided for us rather than by us. On
the other end, place the sign We are responsible for what happens with our lives.
Have teens stand along the continuum where it most reflects their belief about these
statements.
Discussion (5 mins)
Model (10 mins)
The Intentional Will of God

Explain

Choose between good and evil, between trusting and obeying God and
not trusting and obeying. Unfortunately, we chose evil.

The consequences of that choice: sin came into the world

The Circumstantial Will of God

Explain

We must continue to choose between good and evil, between trusting

and obeying God and not trusting and obeying. Unfortunately, sin is present . . .

Example: Bonnies aunt sick; sons came to know Lord . . .

The Ultimate Will of God

Explain

Yes, we are creatures with a free will, and we must make choices. And
our choices have consequences. Forgiveness does not eradicate consequences.
However,

IF we stay in relationship with the Lord, we can be assured that even if

we make mistakes in our judgment, even if we make a good choice but not the

best choice, and even if it appears that evil has triumphed over our life, Gods
ultimate willthe salvation of our soulscannot be thwarted. It will prevail!

We must define what we mean when we say Will of God.

PART 3: METHOD (How?)

Activity (5 mins): Divide teens into groups of 4-5. Ask teens to share with their groups
one step theyve used in making decisions/choices in their lives.
Discussion (5 mins)
METHODS (10 mins)
1.

Prayer
a. It IS the work!
b. Relationship is foundational.
c. We pray NOT to fill a wish list. We pray to discover the mind of
God.
d. Example: best friend/husband

2.

Gods Word
a. Our authority
b. Romans 12:1 > counter-cultural

3.

Other Believers
a. Proverbs 15:22
b. Choose wisely (Ex: my advisors)

4.

Circumstances
a. Story: guy on the plane
b. God IS working around us. Do we really believe it?
c. What if what we believe God is saying to us conflicts with advisors
and circumstances?

CONCLUSION (What If?)

God works in mysterious ways, but I dont believe this means that He
wants His will for our lives to be a mystery.

God has a plan for our lives.

God gives us freedom to choose.

There are no perfect decisions in this life.


God has a thousand ways to work in our lives.

If we are faithful to our relationship with Him, and ask for the Holy Spirit
to live in us, guide us, and give us courage to walk how He leads us, I believe we
can walk confidently, and live peacefully in the assurance that we are in the
center of His will.

Uniting
Church
Meets at
Deception
Bay

Drive
Thru
Window

Slow
Men
at
Work
7

No
Smoking
Hazardous
Chemicals

Most of life is
decided for
us rather
than by us

We are
responsible
for what
happens in
our lives

10