The Will of God and the Process - When Obedience Meets Effort

There’s a misconception that if something is God’s will, it must be smooth and seamless, no trials, no tension, no tears. But that’s far from the truth. One of the greatest lies the enemy sells believers is this: if it’s hard, then it must not be God. And that couldn’t be more wrong.

We’ve seen God-ordained marriages fail, and we’ve seen people walk in what looks like God’s permissive will and somehow thrive. So what’s the difference?

It’s this: The will of God doesn’t cancel the responsibility of man. Being in God’s will doesn’t exempt you from process, partnership, or perseverance. If you ignore your role in it, don’t expect God to magically override your negligence.

God’s Will Requires Our Participation

In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Two anointed men, commissioned by God Himself. But later, in Acts 15:39, we read that a sharp disagreement separated them. Two men in the centre of God's will, yet they couldn't align on one issue, and the partnership collapsed.

It wasn’t that they weren’t called. It was that they couldn’t steward the partnership.
Calling isn’t enough; character, communication, and humility are what sustain a divine assignment.

God's Will in Marriage Still Needs Work

The same goes for marriage. You can marry someone God truly led you to, but if you don’t communicate, forgive, sacrifice, and choose each other daily, that union will suffer.

People celebrating 10, 20, even 50 years of marriage aren’t lucky, they are intentional. Those anniversaries are monuments of quiet sacrifices, silent prayers, tough conversations, and choosing love over ego every single day.

Marriage isn't kept by emotions, it's kept by commitments made in the valley, not just vows made at the altar.

What About Those Who Didn’t Choose God’s First Option?

Even if someone chooses God’s permissive will, saying “I know this isn’t what God chose, but it’s what I want” and then proceeds to invest, build, communicate, and grow with intentionality, that relationship can flourish. Not because it was perfect from the start, but because effort sustained it.

God works with faith and faithfulness.
Desire is not enough. discipline must be followed.

God Never Said the Journey Would Be Easy

Remember what God promised: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the rivers will not sweep over you… you will not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2).

He didn’t say there won’t be water, fire, or storms.
He said: I’ll take you through it.

Storms don't void the promise. They test your posture in the process.

So here’s the lesson:

✅ Being in God’s will is the start, not the finish line
✅ God’s part won’t excuse your part
✅ Obedience doesn’t cancel out effort
✅ And every promise comes with a process

May we not just desire God’s will, but may we partner with it.