In Alignment with God: Seeking His Will, Not Ours

Introduction

In our walk with God, it’s easy to assume that because we are His children, He will automatically support everything we desire or plan. But the truth is, God does not align Himself with our will — we must align ourselves with His. As Apostolic believers, we are called to walk in obedience to God’s Spirit, not in the flesh, and that means submitting to His will even when it doesn’t match our own desires. The story of Joshua’s encounter with the heavenly commander in Joshua 5 powerfully reminds us of this truth.

The Encounter: Joshua 5:13–15 (NKJV)

 “And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, ‘Are You for us or for our adversaries?’ So He said, ‘No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, ‘What does my Lord say to His servant?'”

(Joshua 5:13–14, NKJV)

Joshua, the chosen leader of Israel, was preparing for battle against Jericho when he encountered a supernatural figure with a drawn sword. Assuming it was someone who would take a side, Joshua asked, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” But the response he received was eye-opening: “Neither. I have come as the commander of the Lord’s army.”

This divine being — most likely a theophany, a visible manifestation of God — made it clear: He didn’t come to take sides. He came to take over. This moment humbled Joshua. He fell to the ground and worshiped, recognizing that it wasn’t about whether God was on his side, but whether he was on God’s side.

The Apostolic Pentecostal Perspective: God’s Will, Not Ours

As Apostolic Pentecostals, we know that we must live submitted lives, led by the Holy Ghost. Our desires — no matter how noble or personal — must be tested against the will of God. The Lord taught us in the model prayer:

 “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NKJV)

We don’t dictate God’s agenda. We submit to it. Joshua’s experience teaches us that being a child of God doesn’t guarantee that He will automatically support our personal plans or ambitions — especially if they are for selfish gain or outside of His timing.

Sometimes, we assume God will “back us up” simply because we’re His. But the truth is, God backs up His Word, not our wants. That’s why Scripture reminds us:

 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

(Proverbs 14:12, NKJV)

Modern day example: Aligning Our Motives

In our daily lives, this principle applies to all areas — our relationships, careers, ministry plans, and even our prayers. For example, someone might pray for a promotion at work, assuming God will grant it because they are faithful in church. But what if that promotion pulls them away from ministry, causes spiritual distraction, or fosters pride? It may not be God’s will — no matter how “good” it looks.

This is why we must constantly pray, “Lord, let Your will be done in my life.” We must evaluate our motives and ask ourselves:

Am I making this decision to glorify God, or for personal gain?

Have I sought the Lord in prayer and waited for His answer?

Does this line up with Scripture and the direction of the Holy Ghost?

Joshua’s mistake wasn’t preparing for battle — it was assuming that the Lord would endorse his plan without first confirming whether he was aligned with God’s plan.

Conclusion

Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army is a powerful reminder: It’s not about God being on our side — it’s about us being on His.

As Apostolic believers, we must continually seek God’s face, yield our will, and walk in spiritual alignment. The safest and most powerful place to be is in the center of God’s will. Only then can we walk with divine authority and favor.

Let us live with the attitude of surrender that Joshua showed when he fell on his face and said, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

May that be our posture daily — humbled, submitted, and aligned with the will of God.

Rember that the bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

(Proverbs 3:5–6, NKJV)