the right thing. We must check out our thoughts with the Word of God and make sure they square up together. There may be times when God's will may appear to be contrary to what seems to make sense. This is when we, by faith, step out and trust on Him com pletely. By definition the will of God is simply what the Lord wants to have happen in your life. His primary desire is for salvation which is then followed by our sanctification. We should have the capacity to eval uate all the things that come into our experience, determining His eternal purposes for us in any giv en situation. Circumstances, coun sel and common sense must all be directly related to the Word of God. Scripture must be our final authority. In knowing God's will for our lives, whether in a life's partner or a life's vocation, we must make certain that our inner desires square with the Bible. If they do not we may be in for some very serious problems. Paul wrote to the Phil ippian church, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12, 13). The Lord is always at work in the believer, prompting him to think and to act in certain ways. "His good pleas ure" is another way of referring to His will. This is what will be de veloped internally in our lives. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is in volved in all of this (Romans 8:14). This sense of compulsion and in
ner desire often flooding our lives can be God at work in us. Again, I underscore, we must always check the feelings with the Word of God. As an example, perhaps a girl wants to marry an ‘unbeliever. It could not possibly be the will of God be cause Scripture does not parallel with her inner compulsions. If you want to know if the inner compul sion is of God be assured that the Holy Spirit will not give you de sires contrary to the Bible. This should be underscored in your thinking. We certainly should not over look personal contentment. We are told to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). As believers we can have an inner tranquility of heart and mind in our various situations. In a very practical way, if you do not have peace about a particular decision being contemplated, then watch very closely. I can look back at my own ex periences and see how personal contentment enters into it. When I finished college I sensed a grow ing desire to go into the ministry. This was at the time of the Korean War in the early 1950's. When I got my draft notice I realized that by going to seminary I could avoid going into the service. But in check ing my feelings, I lacked peace. The compulsion was not accom panied by contentment. So, I joined the Navy, spending the next four years serving God and country. I found the Lord had many lessons to teach me in the service. At the end of the four years I examined once again my compulsions. They were there stronger than ever as far as my entering seminary to train for full-time Christian minis-
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