6 Hindrances to Knowing God’s Will

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.“ (Jer 33:3)

Figuring out what God wants us to do can be difficult at times. However, since the Lord want us to know His will, we can learn how to know God’s will with guidance and practice. We can learn to recognize His leading. Often we just wish God would put a letter in the mail so we could know! But God doesn’t work that way. I think God doesn’t always answer our prayers right away primarily because He wants us to come to Him—to see our need of Him, to worship Him, and to promote intimacy with Him.

But suppose you have sought His will and you still don’t know? Here are…

6 Hindrances to Knowing God’s Will

1. Sin

Unconfessed sin blocks communication with God (Ps 66:18). Sometimes though, we’re unaware that we are displeasing God in an area. He often uses our time of seeking direction to reveal these areas so we can address them.

2. Lack of Submission

Do we really want to know God’s will, or are we just trying to get Him to approve of our will? Ouch!

Often, we don’t even realize that’s what we’re doing. Strong feelings interfere with clear thinking. I’m an emotional yoyo—I know how underlying fears prevent us from recognizing God’s leading.

Thoughts like: “That’s too hard!” “I’m not qualified!” Or simply “I don’t want to!” permeate our hearts.

Since I am highly emotional, I literally have to beg God to help me lay my feelings and desires on the altar, but the results are worth it.

3. Fear of Wrongly Discerning God’s Will

This one used to plague me. Gratefully, God showed me that if I do my best in sincerely seeking His will and obey what He does show me (=submission)—I need not fear.

Even if we make a mistake He will forgive and even use them in the big scheme of things. Besides, just because we encounter obstacles or something doesn’t turn out the way we thought, doesn’t necessarily mean we have made a mistake! (Read this blog to see an example.)

4. Not Applying What God has Revealed

If you’re not acting on what God has already shown you, don’t expect any more direction. That’s disobedience=sin. (Sorry, I have to call it what it is.)

Also, at least for me, we often want to know everything—all the steps, results, and method before we move. However, God is not obligated to show us all that—only the next step. It’s just our fear of the unknown hindering action. Ask God to help you put that on the altar too.

5. Expecting an Immediate Answer

We need to give God time to show us His will. We hate to wait, but in due time (His perfect time), He will answer.

6. Going at It Alone

We don’t always have to ask others for their prayers and counsel. However, there are many times when it would behoove us to do so.

Until next time, my friends, don’t let sin, pride, fear, or impatience get in your way of hearing from God! Let Him search your heart so you can know His will.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps 139:23-24)