Doing God's will
John 4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
The passage in the scripture text for today is part of the larger story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. As the disciples return from the town with physical food, Jesus redirects their attention to a much deeper source of sustenance, that is, doing the will of God.
Let us examine the outcomes of doing the will of God.
1. Doing the will of God sustains us.
When the disciples urge Jesus to eat, His response is surprising: “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” The disciples are confused, thinking someone may have brought Him food, but Jesus is talking about a spiritual reality. For Him, doing the will of God was as essential as eating.
In the same way, our spiritual vitality comes from aligning our lives with God's purpose. Physical food sustains the body, but obedience to God nourishes the soul. Just as Jesus found satisfaction in fulfilling the Father’s will, we too find true fulfillment when we commit to doing what God has called us to do.
What sustains you?
Is it the pursuit of personal ambitions, the desire for wealth, or the need for approval? While these may offer temporary satisfaction, Jesus teaches us that lasting joy and fulfillment come from doing God’s will.
2. Doing the Will of God Gives Us Purpose
Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” Jesus lived with a sense of divine mission. He knew He was sent by the Father for a specific purpose, to seek and save the lost, to proclaim the kingdom of God, and ultimately to give His life as a ransom for many. Every step He took, every word He spoke, was aligned with fulfilling this mission.
As followers of Christ, we are also called to live with purpose. The will of God is not just for a select few—it’s for every believer. We are called to love our neighbors, to serve others, to be witnesses of Christ’s love, and to glorify God in all we do. This is our mission. When we understand that we are here for a greater purpose, our lives take on new meaning and direction.
3. Doing the Will of God Requires Sacrifice.
When Jesus said His “food” was to do the Father’s will, He was speaking of a deep commitment. Doing God’s will often requires sacrifice. For Jesus, this meant laying down His life. For us, it may mean setting aside personal desires, comfort, or convenience in order to follow where God leads.
Jesus was fully committed to completing the Father’s work, even when it led to the cross. In the same way, doing the will of God may lead us to uncomfortable places, difficult decisions, or sacrificial service. But remember: obedience to God is always worth the cost because it leads to eternal rewards, both for us and for those we serve.
Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of God's will?
In this world that often encourages us to prioritize self-fulfillment, the way of Christ calls us to self-denial and obedience.
4. Doing the Will of God Is a Daily Choice
Just as physical food is a daily necessity, so too is our commitment to doing the will of God. It’s not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning our hearts and actions with God’s plan. Every day, we are faced with choices that will either lead us closer to God’s will or further away from it.
The good news is that we don’t have to rely on our own strength to fulfill God’s will. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our strength, and our helper. As we surrender daily to God, He equips us to walk in obedience, even in the small, everyday moments of life.
In conclusion, Let us be a people who live with purpose, fueled not by the things of this world but by the will of our Heavenly Father. Let us seek first His kingdom, trust in His plan, and be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to accomplish His work.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord Help me to be a person that hunger and thirst for Your will daily in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, give me the strength to make sacrifices, the wisdom to discern Your plan, and the courage to walk in obedience to your will in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen