God’s Will

The American Civil War had seemed to go on forever, with untold bloodshed and suffering. As the warfare continued to intensify, thousands of men and women from all sides turned toward God for strength, peace, and hope.

Like many other leaders, Abraham Lincoln found himself facing situations for which he had no clear answers. He increasingly leaned on his faith to sustain him, seeking God for wisdom and peace, direction and discernment.

After Lincoln’s death, a document that he wrote on this day in 1862 was discovered among his papers. Called “A Meditation on the Divine Will,” this document showed how Lincoln struggled to grasp God’s purposes.

“The will of God prevails,” Lincoln wrote. “In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God.” Yet he felt that “in the present civil war it is quite possible that God’s purpose is something different from the purpose of either party; and yet the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to effect his purpose.”

In our own ways, each of us may face similar struggles. How have things happened? What are God’s purposes? What does He want us to do? What messages are we to learn?

You may face difficult situations, or not know what to do. You may not understand God’s purposes or grasp His direction. You may be struggling with uncertainty, worry, or fear. But no matter what you face, you can turn to Him.

Don’t give up. Make sure that you learn His Word and apply His principles. And don’t forget to commit each situation to Him. Acknowledge Him in all that you do, and don’t lean on your own understanding. He promises to direct your path.