You need to make a decision. What job to take, which ministry to serve in, what’s the best schooling for your kids? And countless others. We are frequently faced with making spiritual and “non-spiritual” decisions. Many of us are totally befuddled when it comes to determining God’s will in any given situation—assuming that you even want to know.
So how do you know God’s will in every decision you have to make?
Well, let me tell you a story first.
When I was a relatively young Christian I went on a quest to find the answer to this very question. I had been growing in my love for Jesus and wanted to obey Him. He showed me two life-changing truths which I have used ever since in figuring out God’s best.
First, God wants you and me to know His will. Think about it. If God wants us to obey (and He does), then He has to tell us what He wants. That’s His responsibility. If you, as a parent, expect your teenager to be home at a certain time, then you must tell him what that time is. Otherwise, that’s just plain meanness.
Secondly, God told me to just stay close to Him and I would know His will. Such peace flooded my heart at that moment! You and I need not remain anxious when we don’t know what to do. (see Phil 4:6-7). This is way more than knowing about God’s rules—it’s about knowing His heart, about relating to our loving heavenly Father.
Of course, there’s more to it than that. So here are a few more keys to help you to know God’s will in any given situation:
Know What God Says
Often we don’t know God’s will simply because we aren’t familiar enough with His Word and God’s ways. The principles of how to live godly lives are described in Scripture even when they are not explicitly stated. Since God’s direction will always be in line with His Word, it makes sense to know it.
Know God’s Overall Purpose for You
God has great plans for you, but first and foremost He created you for a loving relationship with Him. That means we need to be more like His holy Son.
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified. (1 Thess 4:3, see also 1 Pet 1:16, Rom 8:29)
Secondly, it means knowing your God-given mission. Discerning God’s will always falls under these 2 overarching purposes—godliness and your specific life’s purpose.
Ask
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5 NLT)
Just be sure to ask in a humble, undemanding way with pure (unselfish) motives (James 4:2-3).
For additional help in praying, go to the website page on How to Go Deeper with God in Prayer.
Trust that God Will Answer You
If you cry out to know right from wrong, and lift your voice for understanding…Then you will understand what is right and good, and right from wrong, and you will know what you should do. (Pr 2:3,9 NLT)
If you come to God His way—He will answer! Believe Him ( See Pr 2:1-13, Mat 7:8, James 1:6-8).
God has never failed to show me His will when I approach Him in the correct reverent way. Granted, I may have to wait much longer than I desire, but He always comes through!
God is capable of clearly communicating to you. You simply have to be open and listening. You don’t have to be a theologian or even mature in the faith (though that helps!). God knows how to get through our thick skulls! He Himself will teach you how to recognize His leading.
…We have received God’s Spirit…so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. (1 Cor 2:12 NLT)
And that includes wisdom for any given situation!
There’s way more to come. I hope you will stay with me in this 5-part series. Meanwhile, my friends, keep seeking.
For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mat 7:8 NLT)
Originally published 1/22/20
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This Post Has 10 Comments
Thank you for this, Looking forward to this series. I need this now. I am going through a difficult situation.
Hi Lorraine. I will keep you in prayer as you seek God’s perfect will for your difficult situation. He will answer. Give Him time to work. Please feel free to contact me if you need my help.
I will “ditto” Lorraine’s comments! This couldn’t have come at any better time! I (& my husband) am going thru a difficult situation (financial) as well and really want and need God’s direction/will in making what I consider to be a big decision. I so want to be able to hear Him when He answers. No matter what His answer is I will surrender and ask Him to prepare my heart for whatever the situation. I look forward to this series…thank you!!
Hi Rose…
I will “ditto” Lorraine’s comments! This couldn’t have come at any better time! I (& my husband) am going thru a difficult situation (financial) as well and really want and need God’s direction/will in making what I consider to be a big decision. I so want to be able to hear Him when He answers. No matter what His answer is I will surrender and ask Him to prepare my heart for whatever the situation. I look forward to this series…thank you!!
I will “ditto” Lorraine’s comments! This couldn’t have come at any better time! I (& my husband) am going thru a difficult situation (financial) as well and really want and need God’s direction/will in making what I consider to be a big decision. I so want to be able to hear Him when He answers. No matter what His answer is I will surrender and ask Him to prepare my heart for whatever the situation. I look forward to this series…thank you!!
I will pray for you as well, Carol!
Hi, I like to read your about how to know God’s will for you , I make notes on my note book and keep for my future reading when I retire soon. Thank you Brenda
Hi Brenda. Over the next few weeks, I will do just that in this 5-part blog series. The last blog will be a personal example from my life. However, if you need to talk with me with something urgent, please feel free to call the He’s So Worth It Ministry #. Meanwhile I will pray for you as well.
I will “ditto”. Theses statements because Jesus ‘s way never gets old, or worn out 1/11/23
I will “ditto”. Theses statements because Jesus ‘s way never gets old, or worn out 1/11/23