God's Will or Goodwill? - Traci Chae

Toward the end of last year, when my husband shared that the 2025 theme for our church  would be “Save the Home,” I immediately felt a burden—not just for married couples or  parents, but specifically for the teens and young adults in our church. I thought to myself, “If  they could just grab hold of these biblical truths now, maybe they could be spared from so  much of the brokenness we see today in homes and families.” 

That burden deepened during our “Save the Home” conference. Bro. Jerry Ross made a  comment in passing—one that I can’t forget. He said some young people date like they’re just  “window shopping.” I couldn’t shake that thought. It stuck in my heart for weeks. I eventually  shared what was on my heart with my husband and he encouraged me to study and prepare a  lesson to share with the young ladies. But as I began writing and praying, I realized God wasn’t  just trying to use me to speak to them—He was working on me, too. He was teaching me  about His will. 

Have you ever gone into a store with a specific list, determined to stick to it? You walk into  Target, praying, “Lord, help me stay focused. I just need toothpaste.” But then… you start  casually browsing the Dollar Spot, sniffing every candle, grabbing that cute mug you don’t  

need. You check out with everything *but* toothpaste—and your bank account needs healing.  We laugh about it, but don’t we do the same thing spiritually? 

We begin with pure intentions: “God, I want Your will.” But then life happens, distractions creep  in, and suddenly our “spiritual carts” are full of things God never put on the list. We pick up  relationships, plans, and goals that weren’t part of His design for us. We say we want God’s  plan, but if we’re honest, many times we’re just asking Him to bless the life we already chose  for ourselves. 

In Luke 22:41-42, we find Jesus at one of His most human moments. Facing the cross, He  prays, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine,  be done.” He didn’t just say those words—He lived them. And in doing so, He gave us the  perfect example of surrender. In John 6:38, Jesus said, “For I came down from heaven, not to  do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.” That’s our challenge too: to stop sprinkling  Jesus on top of our lives and instead surrender everything to Him. 

So tonight, this devotional is a heart check—for me, and for you. Are we really living God’s  version of our lives, or are we building our own dreams and hoping He tags along? Jeremiah  29:11 reminds us that God already has a beautiful, peaceful plan for us. “For I know the  thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give  you an expected end.” We will never out-plan God. 

One of the biggest reasons we miss His plan is simple: we move without prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6  urges us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In  all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” But how often have we rushed  into jobs, relationships, purchases—*life decisions*—without even a whisper of prayer? We rely  on our feelings and then wonder why we’re in a mess. Most of our heartbreaks could’ve been  avoided if we had paused and prayed first. 

Another problem is our tendency to rearrange our lives around ourselves instead of God. We  plan our schedules around work, sports, vacations, and social events—and then try to squeeze  God into whatever’s left. But Matthew 6:33 tells us clearly: “But seek ye first the kingdom of 

God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When God is the  priority, everything else finds its place. 

And we must remember: God’s plan doesn’t need improvement. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that  His thoughts are higher than ours—far higher. We may think we know what’s best, but only  God sees the full story—beginning, middle, and end. 

Now, let’s talk about something practical—dating. Too many times I see ladies, and men, treat  dating like they’re browsing a thrift rack: swiping through options, analyzing the surface. “Too  short.” “Too boring.” “Ooh, he’s cute—add to cart!” But just because it’s on the rack doesn’t  mean it’s meant for you. 

We’ve all picked up things we thought we could “make work.” That skirt that didn’t fit—but we  said, “I’ll lose weight to make it fit” (translation: “I’ll change myself for this relationship”). Or the  one that was missing a button—but we thought, “It’s fine, I’ll fix it later” (translation: “Sure, he  doesn’t love Jesus now, but maybe someday…”). And now we have closets—and hearts—full  of things never meant to be ours. 

Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” God  doesn’t want us dating based on potential—He wants us aligned with purpose. If you have to  ignore red flags, compromise your standards, or force something to work, it’s not God’s will. 2  Corinthians 6:14 warns us: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” God is not  going to send you someone who pulls you away from Him. 

So ask yourself: Am I dating out of obedience or loneliness? Am I chasing God’s will—or just  asking Him to bless my own choices? Am I waiting on someone who fits the life God has  planned—or rearranging my life to fit into someone else’s? 

Here’s a simple but powerful reminder: If he’s not God’s will for you, he’s not a bargain—he’s a  distraction with a price tag. 

The next time you’re facing a big decision—whether it’s dating, a job, a move, or a major  purchase—pause and pray: “Lord, is this You, or is this just me?” And be honest. Are you  justifying your will as His? Are you willing to let go if He says no, even if it looks good, feels  right, or seems better than your current situation? 

Psalm 40:8 says, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” God's will  isn’t something to just “tolerate”—it’s something we can delight in. His plan for you is better,  deeper, and more beautiful than anything you could imagine for yourself. 

And as we return to the theme of “Save the Home,” I truly believe this: If we were IN God’s will,  WITH God’s will, and DOING God’s will, our homes—and our nation—wouldn’t be in the mess  they’re in. 

Ladies, it’s time we stop treating Jesus like an accessory to our plans and start recognizing  Him as the architect of our lives. Because His version of your life? It’s more peaceful, more  blessed, and more fulfilling than anything you could grab off a shelf—even if it’s 50% off.