“I don’t know what God’s will is or what He wants me to do, but I know He must want me to do something or I wouldn’t be here.”
“Something, or someone has kept me alive. There must be something I am supposed to do.”
“Why am I so lucky to have found sobriety and others either died, or are still addicted? It just doesn’t make sense. Why did I receive this gift?”

The above are statements I have heard made in recovery meetings concerning God’s will. I have wondered the same in my own experience. It really doesn’t matter how much religion I grew up around, or how much personal Bible training one has. Knowing God’s will can only come from one Source. Many aren’t really concerned of God’s will until life’s storms really rock our world. Addictions rock our world, as well as those around us.

An Idea
Just as an alcoholic learns that staying sober is a one day at a time commitment, so is understanding what God wants for us personally. Another thought is what I once heard from a “old-timer” minister, Rev. James Cleveland, via an album he made many years before his death, circa 1970. He was performing a song and stopped singing long enough to give this message:
 

 “The other day, I decided to cook a cake. I opened up the box mix, and threw it in the oven.

 It turned out bad, it was awful. So I got me another box, and read; for the best results,

   follow the directions. If you want to have God, for the best results, follow the directions!”

Here is a recipe with directions for you and I
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” ROM.12:2

There is this belief rolling around that we are clean and sober today and that is enough. The thinking is based solely on sober living, by God’s grace, no need to do anything else. In other words, I can do all of the same things as long as I don’t drink or drug. True, but there is more to the recipe for those wanting to know God’s direction and purpose in their life, as stated in the above passage. Staying sober requires a transformed view of reality for many of us. Transformation like that of the caterpillar into butterfly. Thinking, actions, values, and words can keep us stifled entirely from knowing God’s will in life.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor (hate) what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Rom. 12:9-13

The passage above is as important to those seeking recovery as it is for the follower of Jesus to adopt as their way of living. Knowing God’s recipe is the decision and willingness to follow written directions that give the best results. Though this passage was written to the Ephesian Christians, it applies to all Christians, and works for those seeking recovery too…if believed and applied.

Recovery from addictions has requirements, we all know. Living for Christ is not living unto self either. We do the works of believers, or become complacent, cold, hypocritical, and self-righteous. Do what is written in the passages above, and you will shortly discover God’s will, and leave behind any questions of how to know your purpose in life.

There has to be an inward longing to grasp spiritual things. That can only come through asking God to open your eyes to His Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth”…a passage you already know. If you are sincerely wanting to know God’s will, but sincerely unsure if Jesus is the Door to the will of God, again, ask God. No human can reveal it, only point the way to it.

I am certain of this; like we say in recovery meetings, recovery is for those who want it not for those who need it. Believe that. Believe that goes for God’s will too. Commit to asking God to show you His will everyday, then follow the directions.

Thanks for reading God bless and keep you all.