Sharon has a boss she just can’t stand. Todd fights with his parents. Jenna has had several run-ins with the police. Jerry doesn’t like his preacher’s “style”.

These people say they desire God’s will in their lives, and yet each one is missing a crucial element: obedience.

How does God reveal His will to us? By a cloud, a vision, or a special envoy from Heaven? You’d be surprised to know that God usually reveals His will through more mundane means, such as a boss that’s hard to get along with or parents who seem overbearing. He might use policemen who enforce the law or preachers who offend us.

Romans 13 says that no authority is given that hasn’t been ordained by God. And when we “do evil,” God has given the people over us permission to enforce His laws, even if they seem overbearing, unfair, unkind, etc. If we have trouble obeying authority, then we are not merely rejecting that person’s office. We’re rebelling against God. On the flip side, when we do obey with a humble spirit, God will gradually reveal more of His will. God blesses obedience and faithfulness.

What is your attitude toward authority? Remember, this is a leading indicator of your attitude towards God.