Finding The Will of God - Pastor Jason Brooks (06/21/26)

The crush of expectations sits on a father’s shoulders, but the pile does not stop with men. The list keeps growing, often with mixed signals and conflicting demands, and the result is exhaustion, frustration, and a nagging sense of failure. The contrast between serving many voices and serving one Master stands in the center. Jesus draws the line clean: no one can serve two masters. James names the fallout of divided aims as instability. The chase to please everyone keeps a person running in circles; the call to please God settles the heart and steadies the feet.

The will of God rises as the path out. The first step is simple and hard: seek to please Jesus above all. Psalm 100 reminds that the Lord is God and his people belong to him. The affirmation that finally satisfies is not a raise or a compliment, but “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The next step is to embrace that God actually has a will for a life, not just a destination but the next step. Proverbs 3 promises direction when all ways acknowledge him. Proverbs 16 and Psalm 37 speak of steps ordered by the Lord, and the Lord taking delight as those steps land where he wants.

Scripture lays the groundwork. The word works like a lamp and a map. It does not tell which car to buy or print a spouse’s name on a page, but it sets parameters, names wise paths, and warns of roads that drop off a cliff. It sketches roles in the home and sound handling of money. The Spirit will never pull a person outside those boundaries. If a leading disagrees with the Book, that voice is not the Shepherd.

Prayer then asks for wisdom with confidence. James says God gives it freely. Jesus says his sheep hear his voice, and the order matters. He speaks, then they move. Faith sometimes steps out, and sometimes stands still. Elijah shows how to stand. The wind shatters rocks, the ground shakes, the fire burns, and he does not budge until the still small voice arrives. The temptation to fabricate God’s will when things get hard must be refused. Do not leave the place God planted just to go hunt for his will somewhere else.

When the will of God becomes the primary aim, God himself shapes a person into the best husband, wife, parent, child, employee, and neighbor. His yoke is easy and his burden light. Laying down the heavy harness of everyone else’s expectations to take up Jesus’ expectations brings clarity, lift, and rest.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Serve one Master, not many Serving every voice breeds instability and resentment because each demand contradicts another. Jesus names the spiritual physics of this when he says no one can serve two masters. Freedom and focus arrive when pleasing Christ outranks every other expectation. That single allegiance reorders the rest without the frantic juggling. [28:53]
• 2. Start with Scripture’s map The word lights near feet and shows where each road goes before a step is taken. Scripture will not pick shirt colors or VIN numbers, but it will set boundaries, highlight wise ways, and expose paths that end in a ditch. The Spirit’s leading never contradicts what the Book already made plain. [42:32]
• 3. God directs steps, not just destinations God is not distant from details. He delights to order today’s next faithful step, not just write tomorrow’s finish line. A heart may sketch plans, but the Lord adjusts the footfall in real time for those who acknowledge him in all their ways. [39:34]
• 4. Wait for the Shepherd’s voice Jesus speaks, then his sheep move. The rush to act first and pray later only multiplies confusion. Trust shows up as faithfulness in the last clear assignment until fresh direction comes, even when the clock and the crowd say hurry up. [52:17]
• 5. Stand still when the wind howls Elijah held the ground God gave him through wind, quake, and fire, and only then heard the still small voice. Endurance in the hard place is not stubbornness, it is obedience that refuses to trade clarity for comfort. Do not abandon the will of God to go find the will of God. [57:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [22:43] - Father’s Day honor
• [24:09] - The impossible expectations list
• [28:53] - You cannot serve two masters
• [29:40] - Double minded instability
• [34:57] - Live for “Well done”
• [37:08] - God cares about your details
• [39:34] - God directs your steps
• [42:32] - Word as lamp and map
• [49:56] - Praying for wisdom that comes
• [52:17] - Hearing and following the Shepherd
• [55:32] - Elijah waits through wind, quake, fire
• [59:26] - Do not fabricate His will
• [63:15] - Putting God first blesses others
• [66:13] - My yoke is easy invitation

1. What does Jesus mean when He says we “cannot serve two masters”? How does this relate to conflicting expectations in daily life?
2. The sermon mentions that “Scripture sets boundaries and highlights wise paths” [42:32]. What examples of these boundaries or paths does the Bible provide?
3. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what does it look like to “acknowledge [God] in all your ways”? How does this contrast with relying on human wisdom?
4. The sermon describes Elijah’s response to wind, earthquake, and fire as “standing still” [57:29]. What specific actions or attitudes allowed Elijah to wait for God’s voice?

1. Why does James link “double-mindedness” to instability? How might trying to please multiple people or goals create spiritual or emotional chaos?
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 emphasizes trusting God rather than human understanding. What fears or habits might make it difficult to apply this in practical decisions like finances, relationships, or career?
3. The sermon states, “God directs steps, not just destinations” [39:34]. How does this perspective change the way we approach long-term goals or unmet desires?
4. Elijah’s story shows him waiting through chaos for God’s “still small voice” [55:32]. Why do you think God often speaks in quiet ways rather than through dramatic signs?

1. Identify one area where you feel pressured to meet conflicting expectations (e.g., work, family, church). How could prioritizing God’s approval over others’ demands bring clarity?
2. The sermon warns against “fabricating God’s will” when things get hard [59:26]. When have you been tempted to rush a decision instead of waiting for clarity? What practical step could help you pause and seek God’s voice next time?
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to acknowledge God in all our ways. What mundane or routine part of your life (e.g., daily schedule, conversations) could you intentionally surrender to His direction this week?
4. The Bible is called a “lamp and map” [42:32]. How can you deepen your reliance on Scripture when facing a current decision? Consider specific verses or principles to study.
5. Elijah’s story challenges us to “stand still” in hard places [57:29]. Is there a situation where God is asking you to stay faithful instead of fleeing discomfort? What would obedience look like?
6. Jesus says His yoke is “easy” and His burden “light” [01:06:13]. What heavy expectation (self-imposed or from others) do you need to lay down to embrace His priorities instead?