Choose God's Will and Way: A Decision That Shapes Your Destiny

Ever caught yourself thinking, "I know what God wants, but I'll just do it my way"? You're not alone. This tension between God's plan and our preferences has been humanity's struggle since the very beginning—and it's costing us the abundant life God designed for us.

The Garden's One Rule

Picture this: Adam had the dream setup. An easy job tending a beautiful garden, unlimited access to every kind of delicious fruit, and a wife he adored. God's instructions were simple—eat from any tree you want, just avoid one. One tree. One rule. That's it.

Yet somehow, that single boundary became the focus of everything. Why? Because a snake showed up with questions.

How Snakes Work

The serpent didn't storm in with obvious lies. He was subtle, crafty, strategic. He started by distancing Eve from God's character—calling Him "God" instead of "the Lord," stripping away the warmth of "compassionate" and "gracious." Then he twisted God's words: "Did God say you can't eat from any tree?" when God had actually said they could eat from every tree except one.

Sound familiar? The enemy still operates this way. He makes us question God's motives, debate His commands, and eventually dilute His truth until we're convinced we know better.

Here's the pattern: snakes distance us from God, distort what He said, tempt us to defend and debate, deny the truth outright, make us distrust God's heart, and finally lead us into disobedience—often dragging others with us.

The Two Questions That Change Everything

Every day, we face two critical questions: Whose will? and Whose way?

Will you follow God's plan or your own agenda? Will you trust His directions or rely on your strategies? These aren't small decisions. They literally set the trajectory of your life and potentially impact generations to come.

God's will and God's way lead to abundant life—the full, complete existence He intended. Your will and your way? That's the "I'm grown, you ain't my daddy" approach that lands us in the deepest trouble.

Don't Debate With Snakes

Here's a game-changer: stop debating what God said with people who have no interest in following Him. You won't argue someone into faith. Heart change only comes through God, not through winning debates on social media or at family dinners.

When snakes start questioning God's goodness, His motives, or His Word, don't engage. God doesn't need you to defend Him. He's perfectly capable of being God without your help.

Your Next Step

This week, run your plans, goals, and decisions through this filter: Is this God's will done God's way, or am I trying to accomplish His purposes using my methods? Better yet, am I pursuing my own agenda entirely?

God isn't trying to limit your joy—He's the one who offers life "to the full." Every boundary He sets is either to provide for you or protect you. Trust His heart. Follow His lead.

And if you're struggling with something weighing you down, don't carry it alone. We're launching Lay Listener Training on February 1st because we believe the church should be a place where hurting people find help, not judgment. Sometimes you don't need a counselor—you just need someone who will truly listen.

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Prayer: Father, forgive us for the times we've chosen our will over Yours, our way instead of Your wisdom. Help us recognize the snakes in our lives—the voices that distance us from Your heart and distort Your truth. Give us the courage to surrender fully, trusting that Your will and Your way always lead to the abundant life we're searching for. In Jesus' name, amen.