What steps can we take to align our will with God's, despite doubts? Setting the Scene “But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, many have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.’” (Acts 9:13) Ananias loved God, yet he hesitated. His candid words show that sincere believers can wrestle with doubts—even when God speaks plainly. Why Doubts Surface • Past experience: Saul’s reputation was brutal. • Personal risk: Obeying might cost safety or reputation. • Limited sight: We know fragments; God sees the story’s whole arc (Isaiah 55:8-9). Steps to Align Our Will with God’s 1. Acknowledge God’s right to rule • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Alignment begins by remembering He alone is King; our plans must bow. 2. Voice your doubts honestly • Ananias didn’t hide his fear. God invites the same candor (Psalm 62:8). • Naming the struggle prevents it from festering in silence. 3. Listen for God’s clarifying word • God answered Ananias with specific instructions (Acts 9:15-16). • Carve out quiet to read, pray, and wait; “My sheep hear My voice.” (John 10:27) 4. Confirm through Scripture • The Spirit never contradicts the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Guard against impulses by asking, “Does this align with what God has already said?” 5. Step forward in obedience—quickly • “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) • Delay fuels doubt; movement strengthens faith muscles. • Ananias “went” (Acts 9:17). One hinge of obedience swung open a mission to the Gentiles. 6. Lean on the Spirit’s enabling power • “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) • We supply willingness; He supplies strength. 7. Surround yourself with faithful allies • Saul was welcomed by believers in Damascus (Acts 9:19). • Community reinforces courage, offers counsel, and celebrates obedience. 8. Keep surrendering the outcome • Jesus modeled, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) • Results belong to God; our part is faithfulness. Living This Out Today • Start each day by yielding plans to Him—open-handed. • When a nudge feels risky, journal the fear, then search Scripture for truth that addresses it. • Share the decision with a trusted believer; invite accountability. • Act before you feel fully ready; peace often follows obedience, not vice versa. • Look back regularly to trace how God used reluctant yeses to accomplish great things (Psalm 77:11-12). The Takeaway Doubts do not disqualify us. Like Ananias, we can talk them through with the Lord, then move forward in faith. Each obedient step draws our hearts closer to His—aligning will with will until His purposes become our delight. |
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