Eternal Perspective: Prioritizing God’s Will and Victorious Living

Last week, Notre Dame football displayed remarkable toughness, resilience, and perseverance in their victory over Texas A&M, marking their biggest road win in over a decade. Yet just yesterday, I watched them lose to an opponent that, on paper, seemed unlikely to defeat them. But Notre Dame was outplayed in nearly every aspect.

This morning, the sermon at church was all about advancing God’s kingdom. As I reflected, I realized that Notre Dame’s situation mirrors many of our spiritual lives.

We have the Creator of the universe on our side as we strive to do His will. When we trust Him and follow His Word, He delivers great victories. Yet, how often do we experience major spiritual breakthroughs only to stumble in the small, everyday battles?

Too often, we become paralyzed by fear, temptation, procrastination, imposter syndrome, laziness, or the pursuit of pleasure. These distractions pull us away from God, and we get lost in the moment, failing to focus on eternal matters.

How often do we know what God is calling us to do but fail to act on it?

This question came up during my devotional time earlier this week, and it has stayed with me ever since. It reminded me of the parable in Matthew, where Jesus tells of a master who entrusts his servants with talents before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he asks them to account for how they managed his possessions, rewarding or punishing them based on their faithfulness.

God’s will is not a complete mystery—He gave us His Word as a guide. It’s His will that we spend time in Scripture daily, growing in our understanding of Him and applying the principles we learn to our lives. From His Word, we gain wisdom and insight for daily living.

There are several things that the Bible makes clear are part of God’s will for us. By following these, we can live confidently, knowing we’re in line with His desires:

Love God and Love Others
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Seek and Follow Righteousness
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Pray Continually
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Live a Holy Life
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified, avoiding sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Do Good
“By doing good, you silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15)
Trust in God’s Plan
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Spread the Gospel
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Be Humble and Serve Others
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Forgive Others
“If you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)
Be Filled with the Spirit
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)

These steps, rooted in Scripture, show us God’s will and how we should live daily. But to do so victoriously requires humility and constant reliance on God’s strength.

Consistent engagement with God through prayer and His Word is crucial to living a victorious Christian life. We can’t do it alone. We need continual reminders of God’s love, character, and guidance.

From there, we act on what we believe God wants us to do. Sometimes, we hit the mark; other times, we don’t. But regardless of the outcome, God remains in control. He uses everything—the successes and the failures—for His greater plan.

So, we trust Him. For those who love God and are called according to His purpose, all things work together for good.

Our lives are short and fragile compared to eternity. We live, we die, and then eternity awaits. The state of our souls, the part of us that lives beyond this earthly life, should be our greatest concern.

Have you repented and placed your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins?

Take time today to restore your relationship with God and prepare your soul for eternity. Choose to love God and live your life for His glory.

Then make every effort count for eternity and advancing God’s kingdom agenda.

To God be the glory!