God's Will, 22 March 2026
God’s Will for Your Life
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 22, 2026
Proverbs 3:1-7
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea: It is wise to seek God’s will for your life.
Author Mark Twain said the two most important days are the day you are born and the day you figure out…why.
One of the most common questions I get as a pastor is, “How do I know God’s will?” I’d be the first person to say I sometimes wish God would simply send me a text or an e-mail, but He has given us something far greater…if you’re willing to seek it.
Do you have a life verse? A favorite passage of the Bible? A quote that serves as your north star? Mine was selected decades ago and it has guided me better than any GPS. Today during our “Why?” series, we’re examining God’s Will for Your Life.
In the most famous prayer in history, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Your will be done.” But how do we know God’s will? Romans chapter 12 gives us a clear answer, but I want to work backwards. Verse two ends
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2b)
God’s will is good, and pleasing, and perfect. As I said last week, Daddy knows best. He can be trusted in all things. He’s not mad at you, He’s madly in love with you! He’s not out to get you, He wants to get to know you! My favorite passage of the Bible is found in our scripture reading for today. The first verses of Proverbs chapter three contain several “do not” commands, every one of which is a command in the same grammatical structure as the Ten Commandments. My favorite verses within the section say,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I’m living proof of this truth. Even though I haven’t always trusted and followed God, it has been my aspiration, my desire. He has guided me to places I never imagined (can you say ‘Ohio?’) and has never failed me, even when I have failed. The journey has not always been easy or comfortable, but I wouldn’t trade the adventure for anything. Perhaps the greatest thing is the peace and satisfaction of being led by God. When things have gotten rough—and they have—I’ve said, “God, You led me here and You’ve got to lead me through.” He has been so faithful! Hallelujah!
So how do we know God’s will? Back to Romans, the first part of verse two says,
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Does the world have influence over you? Absolutely! Even if you were to move to the middle of nowhere with no phone, tv, or Internet, you would surely experience temptation. What is the pattern of this world? Paul wrote,
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)
We are bombarded by these things in our entertainment, advertising, neighbors, and culture. It’s the way of the world. We need to put it to death!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Be transformed by the renewing of our mind? How do we do that? Let’s back up one more verse.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
What’s the therefore there for? Romans chapter 11 ends with a doxology that declares God’s wisdom, knowledge, justice, creation, and sovereignty.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36b)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
Therefore we are to submit our bodies—and everything else—to God. Followers of Jesus surrender their rights to Christ. Our bodies belong to the LORD. We are temples where He dwells. How’s your temple? How are you treating it? This is especially true in a sex-crazed culture where immorality runs rampant—even among those who call themselves Christians. The invitation from Jesus is to die—to our sin, our pride, our selfish living—and be resurrected with him, experiencing righteousness, justice, and peace. We renew our mind by studying the Bible, guarding our eyes and ears and heart, and seeking first God’s Kingdom rather than our own.
Taken as a whole, these two verses are loaded! They’re challenging. But they are a path to understanding God’s will. If you really want to know it, you begin by aligning your heart, soul, body and mind with godliness, not the world. Usually that means doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. It can be lonely. This is why we need to fellowship with one another, encourage one another, love and support one another as we live radical, countercultural lives. If your life doesn’t seem different to what everyone else is doing, you might not be doing it God’s way. Let me be clear, I don’t always get this right, either, but…
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
This is a beautiful vision of us—the Church! Love, good deeds, encouragement…
I know some of you simply can’t be here in-person, but if you can gather with us on Sundays, in small groups during the week, and at special events, you will be blessed…and your presence will bless others.
(By the way, we have a little gathering coming up in two weeks. I hope you will all be there…with friends! If not, please pray, pray, pray that God will use this celebration to draw men, women, and children to Himself.)
Back to this issue of calling, our calling is often the intersection of our gifts, our passions, and the world’s needs. What are you good at? What do you love to do? How can that impact the world, near or far? These may give us clues, but it may take years to discover and/or experience. Then again,
there may be more than one calling for our lives. This may be true over the course of our lives. I used to be in sales, then music, now pastoring. My friend Bill went from physical therapist to CFO! Young people, you will likely have multiple careers—which is not always the same as calling, but they often align.
If you’re still trying to figure it out, don’t rush the process. Be faithful in the small things. Memorize Romans 12:1-2. Following Jesus is not a puzzle to solve. It’s a lifelong journey with Christ, being guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Seek and you will find. The goal is not landing the perfect job or even understanding the Bible like a scholar but knowing Jesus.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Discern with others. This is why we need to get together. I often say when Heather and I agree on a decision, it is usually God’s will. This is not to say we often disagree nor is it a guarantee, but we need to be on the same page before things such as a relocation or a job change. One friend said to his wife, “God told me to plant a church.” Her reply was respectfully, “When He tells me, we’ll do it.” He wisely waited several years until she said she heard from the LORD. They have been leading their “new” church together for almost sixteen years. Timing is everything. Had he gone ahead, I’m not sure the church and/or their marriage would be intact. Maybe it is God’s will for you to be married, have kids, or move to Hawaii…but it might be years into the future. Remember, God has all the time in the world!
I have a discipleship Huddle with a group of men where I ask three questions:
a. What is God saying to you?
b. What are you going to do about it?
c. How can we help?
We discern together because sometimes we are biased. Wise counsel is…wise!
So What?
It is wise to seek God’s will for your life. Knowing God’s will starts with God, not with us. You can tell God what you want, but if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
I think this is what inspired Saint Augustine to say something like, “Love God and do what you want.”
There are few “guarantees” in life or with our choices, but God is gracious and kind. Even when we make an unwise choice, He will redeem the decision, guiding us back onto the path if we’re willing to seek first His Kingdom. His arms are always wide open.
Why were you born? Ultimately you were created to know God, make Him known to others, and bring Him glory. You and I were made to worship…with our voices and with our lives. I challenge you this week to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He’s worth it! Amen.
Reflection Questions
What is your life verse(s)?
How has it guided you?
What brings you joy?
What gifts has God given to you?
What is your life purpose?
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 22, 2026
Proverbs 3:1-7
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea: It is wise to seek God’s will for your life.
Author Mark Twain said the two most important days are the day you are born and the day you figure out…why.
One of the most common questions I get as a pastor is, “How do I know God’s will?” I’d be the first person to say I sometimes wish God would simply send me a text or an e-mail, but He has given us something far greater…if you’re willing to seek it.
Do you have a life verse? A favorite passage of the Bible? A quote that serves as your north star? Mine was selected decades ago and it has guided me better than any GPS. Today during our “Why?” series, we’re examining God’s Will for Your Life.
In the most famous prayer in history, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Your will be done.” But how do we know God’s will? Romans chapter 12 gives us a clear answer, but I want to work backwards. Verse two ends
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2b)
God’s will is good, and pleasing, and perfect. As I said last week, Daddy knows best. He can be trusted in all things. He’s not mad at you, He’s madly in love with you! He’s not out to get you, He wants to get to know you! My favorite passage of the Bible is found in our scripture reading for today. The first verses of Proverbs chapter three contain several “do not” commands, every one of which is a command in the same grammatical structure as the Ten Commandments. My favorite verses within the section say,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I’m living proof of this truth. Even though I haven’t always trusted and followed God, it has been my aspiration, my desire. He has guided me to places I never imagined (can you say ‘Ohio?’) and has never failed me, even when I have failed. The journey has not always been easy or comfortable, but I wouldn’t trade the adventure for anything. Perhaps the greatest thing is the peace and satisfaction of being led by God. When things have gotten rough—and they have—I’ve said, “God, You led me here and You’ve got to lead me through.” He has been so faithful! Hallelujah!
So how do we know God’s will? Back to Romans, the first part of verse two says,
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Does the world have influence over you? Absolutely! Even if you were to move to the middle of nowhere with no phone, tv, or Internet, you would surely experience temptation. What is the pattern of this world? Paul wrote,
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)
We are bombarded by these things in our entertainment, advertising, neighbors, and culture. It’s the way of the world. We need to put it to death!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Be transformed by the renewing of our mind? How do we do that? Let’s back up one more verse.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
What’s the therefore there for? Romans chapter 11 ends with a doxology that declares God’s wisdom, knowledge, justice, creation, and sovereignty.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36b)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
Therefore we are to submit our bodies—and everything else—to God. Followers of Jesus surrender their rights to Christ. Our bodies belong to the LORD. We are temples where He dwells. How’s your temple? How are you treating it? This is especially true in a sex-crazed culture where immorality runs rampant—even among those who call themselves Christians. The invitation from Jesus is to die—to our sin, our pride, our selfish living—and be resurrected with him, experiencing righteousness, justice, and peace. We renew our mind by studying the Bible, guarding our eyes and ears and heart, and seeking first God’s Kingdom rather than our own.
Taken as a whole, these two verses are loaded! They’re challenging. But they are a path to understanding God’s will. If you really want to know it, you begin by aligning your heart, soul, body and mind with godliness, not the world. Usually that means doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. It can be lonely. This is why we need to fellowship with one another, encourage one another, love and support one another as we live radical, countercultural lives. If your life doesn’t seem different to what everyone else is doing, you might not be doing it God’s way. Let me be clear, I don’t always get this right, either, but…
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)
This is a beautiful vision of us—the Church! Love, good deeds, encouragement…
I know some of you simply can’t be here in-person, but if you can gather with us on Sundays, in small groups during the week, and at special events, you will be blessed…and your presence will bless others.
(By the way, we have a little gathering coming up in two weeks. I hope you will all be there…with friends! If not, please pray, pray, pray that God will use this celebration to draw men, women, and children to Himself.)
Back to this issue of calling, our calling is often the intersection of our gifts, our passions, and the world’s needs. What are you good at? What do you love to do? How can that impact the world, near or far? These may give us clues, but it may take years to discover and/or experience. Then again,
there may be more than one calling for our lives. This may be true over the course of our lives. I used to be in sales, then music, now pastoring. My friend Bill went from physical therapist to CFO! Young people, you will likely have multiple careers—which is not always the same as calling, but they often align.
If you’re still trying to figure it out, don’t rush the process. Be faithful in the small things. Memorize Romans 12:1-2. Following Jesus is not a puzzle to solve. It’s a lifelong journey with Christ, being guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Seek and you will find. The goal is not landing the perfect job or even understanding the Bible like a scholar but knowing Jesus.
The quest for clarity should result in intimacy with God. Discern with others. This is why we need to get together. I often say when Heather and I agree on a decision, it is usually God’s will. This is not to say we often disagree nor is it a guarantee, but we need to be on the same page before things such as a relocation or a job change. One friend said to his wife, “God told me to plant a church.” Her reply was respectfully, “When He tells me, we’ll do it.” He wisely waited several years until she said she heard from the LORD. They have been leading their “new” church together for almost sixteen years. Timing is everything. Had he gone ahead, I’m not sure the church and/or their marriage would be intact. Maybe it is God’s will for you to be married, have kids, or move to Hawaii…but it might be years into the future. Remember, God has all the time in the world!
I have a discipleship Huddle with a group of men where I ask three questions:
a. What is God saying to you?
b. What are you going to do about it?
c. How can we help?
We discern together because sometimes we are biased. Wise counsel is…wise!
So What?
It is wise to seek God’s will for your life. Knowing God’s will starts with God, not with us. You can tell God what you want, but if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
I think this is what inspired Saint Augustine to say something like, “Love God and do what you want.”
There are few “guarantees” in life or with our choices, but God is gracious and kind. Even when we make an unwise choice, He will redeem the decision, guiding us back onto the path if we’re willing to seek first His Kingdom. His arms are always wide open.
Why were you born? Ultimately you were created to know God, make Him known to others, and bring Him glory. You and I were made to worship…with our voices and with our lives. I challenge you this week to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He’s worth it! Amen.
Reflection Questions
What is your life verse(s)?
How has it guided you?
What brings you joy?
What gifts has God given to you?
What is your life purpose?