What does "by the will of God" mean for our personal decisions?

◄ Meaning of "by God's will" in choices? ►

Reading the Verse

“And not only as we had expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, by the will of God.” — 2 Corinthians 8:5

Unpacking “by the will of God”

- God’s will is not an abstract force; it is His specific, personal desire and directive (Ephesians 1:11).

- In this verse it shows two layers:

• A surrendered relationship (“first to the Lord”).

• A Spirit-led action (“then to us”).

- Their generosity was neither impulsive nor coerced; it flowed from active obedience to God’s revealed desire.

How This Shapes Our Personal Decisions

- Surrender precedes strategy: we yield ourselves before we plan (Proverbs 3:5-6).

- Obedience to Scripture anchors choices; God never leads contrary to His written word (Psalm 119:105).

- Service to others grows naturally out of a life aligned with Him (Galatians 5:13).

- Decisions become an act of stewardship, not self-promotion (1 Peter 4:10).

Practical Steps to Walk in God’s Will

1. Present yourself to God daily (Romans 12:1-2).

2. Compare every option with clear biblical commands; if Scripture forbids it, it is never God’s will.

3. Listen for the Spirit’s promptings confirmed by Scripture (John 16:13; Acts 16:6-10).

4. Seek counsel from mature believers who also submit to God’s word (Proverbs 11:14).

5. Evaluate motives: does this choice advance Christ’s kingdom or merely my comfort? (Matthew 6:33).

6. Move forward in faith; God’s will becomes clearer in obedient motion than in fearful paralysis (James 2:18).

Assurance and Peace That Follow

- When a decision is “by the will of God,” it produces the inward peace promised in Philippians 4:6-7.

- It stands the test of time and trial (Psalm 33:11).

- Fruit emerges that honors the Lord and blesses others (John 15:8; Colossians 1:9-10).