“But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.” (Job 23:13-14)

When a person comes to rest in the Purpose and Appointments of God, then he can come to the Peace of God. This peace replaces anxiety, frustration, and impatience. Coming to Rest in God’s Will is a progressive process. It does not come easily.

Why? Because we still are in the flesh. Yes, we have been made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), which is positional. But our practice as an overcomer in our daily walk is a process of growth (2 Peter 1:3-8); a yielding to the Spirit (Romans 8:11-22).

It is very difficult to distinguish between the Secret Will of God and man’s responsibility to God’s Will of Command. God’s command is to not only be a “hearer,” but also a “doer” of God’s Word (James 1:22). Yet, we know, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Therefore, what is the answer? The answer is – if you can hear it and know it is truth, then you are to obey God’s Word without reservation. If you could not hear it, then it would not be God working “in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” But, if we know to do good and do it not, then it is sin.

The secret is in the internal witness of the teaching of the Holy Spirit. A Child of God knows if it is God speaking, or if it is his flesh speaking (Romans 8:14-16).

Reader, we want to always be sensitive to God the Spirit’s teaching and leading and directing. We want to be a “doer” of His Word; for herein lies growth and blessings beyond all that we could ask or think. As long as we are a “doer” for Christ’s sake, we will bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. We will be responsible servants and friends of God. We will be diligent people of God. Remember, He is “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

We need to be thankful that God has made us diligent people; of physical things as well as spiritual. We have a diligent work ethic. We work hard in our earthly jobs and in our work for His Kingdom.

God will also use our diligence in taking care of our marriages. He will work in us the desire and the ability to “feed the love plant” He has so lovingly given to us and our spouse. And He will reward this diligence with fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.

Our diligence (or obedience), ordained of God, will be greatly rewarded; more than we have ever seen, heard, or thought of:

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

God has given many examples in His Word of this very fact. One is the cultivation of the earth, preparing it to receive the seed; and then the tending to the young plants until fruit time; and then harvest. It never stops; it is a continual process from ground preparation, seeding, tending, and harvest time. It is a constant cycle. Of course, God must bring the rain. (He will give the increase.) But God will do His part – what we must do is our part.

Reader, have you done your part? Are your works the works of the flesh?

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…” (Galatians 5:19-21)

Now look at your reward; look at your fruit. Is it the fruit of lies?

“Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies…” (Hosea 10:13)

Or is your fruit the fruit of the Spirit?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23)