I heard it again from someone struggling in their work. Frustration walking the line with Bitterness, this person asked, “What is God’s will for my life?!” The cry of millions wanting to do more but feeling lost and unfulfilled in the personal and work life.
I’ve processed that question many times. I’ve poured over scripture looking for the verse that tells me what I’m supposed to do. But guess what – the specifics aren’t there! The question “What is God’s will for my life?” should be shortened to “What is God’s will?” That’s an easier question to answer.
God’s will is that people come to know Him and be saved. God’s will is that people would come to know that there is forgiveness, peace and love offered through Jesus and that that message is carried and delivered by us. God’s will for your life is, if you’re a Christ-follower, that whatever you do with the hours you’ve been given, you ask and act on the question, “How can I best spread the message of Jesus today?” That’s it. From there, God doesn’t care what you do for a career. It is no more holy being a pastor that it is a plumber. It is no more holy being a worship leader than being a window washer. God has people in every arena of life to be lights to the world.
Once we understand that, the adventure begins. The journey of discovering how God made you (your gifts and talents), developing your passions and dreams and then deploying them through your work, family and community.
What is God’s will for your life? It’s to love Him and to use your gifts for your fulfillment and others – all the while waking up everyday and asking “How can I best be a light to people around me?”
Peace,
My new website:
Todd Stocker 
I remember someone asking me that in college. I like that you point people away from subjective questions about God’s specific plan for “my life” and to more objective things like God’s will that we believe and come to a knowledge of the Truth. That is more helpful than trying to peer into the mind of God, and mess around with the hidden things of God.
One could perhaps simply say, “God’s will is that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” Your love for your neighbor will be governed by your vocation or calling in life. If you’re a mother/wife, your love for your neighbor (your children and husband) will look different than it will if you are a pastor. That is to say, your duties will be different.
Of course our love for God, our faith and trust in Him, is rooted in the cross of Christ, his self-less sacrifice on our behalf, and this love is strengthened and nourished in the Divine Service of God’s holy Word and Sacraments.