…Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).
The struggle to discover the will of God for our lives may be resolved by simply focusing on abiding in Christ.
If we abide in him we are assured of answered prayer (John 15:7).
We died and were raised with Christ (aorist tense signifying completed action) and our lives have been hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3). The word ‘hidden’ is a translation of the Greek verb krupto, which means to hide or conceal. From it we derive the English word ‘crypt’.
To be hidden in Christ is to dwell in the secret place of union and communion with him, where there is sweet fellowship and closeness of heart (Song of Songs 2:14).
It is also a place of safety and protection from the enemy (Psalm 91:1-16).
As long as we are hidden in Christ, we are found in God’s purpose and will. The secret lies in continually setting our hearts, affections and minds on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-3). The use of the Greek present tense here implies continuity of action.
As we consistently seek Christ, we automatically find ourselves seeking out God’s purpose.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.