Want to make fewer mistakes in decisions? Want to live with fewer regrets? You can learn to know God’s will and make right and godly choices in any given circumstance. You can learn how to live God’s way. The Lord Himself wants to teach and empower you. The end result will be a sweet abundant life. Trust me–there’s nothing better than being right with God!
Last time I covered the first 5 steps in a proven method which the Lord has taught me over the years in knowing His will. Here’s a recap of the first five.
1. Prepare your heart
2. Think things through carefully
3. Ask questions
4. Use pen and paper
5. Put in the effort
Here is the rest of the…
Proven Method of Knowing God’s Will
6. Put in the time
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your search of God’s will. Procrastinating puts you in “demand mode” when seeking God for guidance. If a decision is important, it’s worth the time and effort to pray about it.
If an immediate decision is required, do your best and trust God for the outcome. That’s why it’s vital to remain in fellowship with your Lord. You won’t have the time to carefully evaluate your heart if it’s an urgent matter. Stay close to your Father so you will be able to hear His still quiet voice.
Also, determine if a decision really has to be made now. Ask questions like:
- Can I get an extension?
- Is this a sales pitch, tempting me to make a hasty purchase?
- Is this pressure from others because they want it now?
- Is this in line with God’s will as far as I know?
- Are my emotions interfering? (See Blog: 6 Hindrances to Knowing God’s Will)
7. Read the Bible while seeking answers
This is where a lot of us go wrong. God does communicate to us in other ways, but His Word is the primary way in which He makes His will known to us. Seek God’s direction during your quiet time with Him, and then…
8. Keep your antennas up
Stay in tune with your Lord throughout the day, looking for answers in a calm, confident manner.
9. Enlist others
Ask for counsel, or at least request prayer from godly people that you trust.
10. Get confirmation
Not all “signs” or “open doors” are from God. Don’t automatically assume it’s from the Lord. I’ve made way too many mistakes thinking God was leading me when it was Satan, my strong emotions or impatience getting in the way. Don’t run ahead of God; make sure you have a green light. Others can greatly help you here.
~~~~~~
This process works! I hope you will try it.
Next time I will give you a personal example of how I applied these steps in a very critical decision.
So until then, my friends, as you seek the Lord for direction:
Praise Him before you know His will.
Praise Him as soon as you do know it.
and then
Praise Him by telling others how He came through for you again!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good…. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jer 29:11-13 NLT)
Previous blogs in this series:
How to KNOW God’s Will: Part 1
6 Hindrances to Knowing God’s Will
A Proven Method to KNOW God’s Will: A 10 Step Process
Originally published 2/12/20
(NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This Post Has 5 Comments
Thank you for letting me know how to receive GODs will. What should I do if I have not received the answer from GOD? My emotions are interfering. I have talked to a few other people but have not received an answer through them. Is GOD leaving this decision up to me?
Dear Jill, you are not alone! Sometimes we can discern God’s will easily, other times not so much! You are right about our emotions often getting in the way. Here are a few other resources that may help you:
“How to Go Deeper with God in Prayer”
https://heisworthit.com/how-to-go-deeper-with-god-in-prayer/
“How to Know What God is Saying to You”
https://heisworthit.ck.page/ad0415f0b1
Jill, I tried sending a private email message to you but it failed. So here is the rest of my response:
Being an emotional yoyo, I know about emotions interfering with discerning God’s will all too well. I have definitely made some decisions based on what I wanted, and have come to regret them. That being said, God understands and will help us to let go of what we want so we can hear and do what He wants.
Even if we make a mistake in our judgment, He forgives. God always looks at our heart. My advice is to lay your desires on the altar the best you can. Ask Him to clearly speak to your heart. Then do your very best.
Sometimes when I am desperate to know and still don’t have an answer, I tell God this is the way I am going to go, if it is the wrong decision please give me a lack of peace. Trust God to answer.
If you would like to talk further, please call me at 304-314-4328
In Christ’s service,
Rose
Thank you Rose. It’s not always easy to know God’s will. There have been times when God was telling me His will for me but I wasn’t listening with my spiritual ears and heart. Thank God for His patience, I finally heard. It is so thrilling to be in the center of His will. It is a daily relationship but so rewarding!!
Thanks Lyda! Yes it is THRILLING to know you are doing what our Savior wills.