Please tell me how I might know God’s will.
Eventually, the thought occurs to most people: “I’d want to know God’s plan for me about this specific scenario.” The question then becomes whether or not such information is indeed attainable. It’s important to start with the question, “Does God want us to know His will?” In a word, yeah! That’s the very minimum reason God gave us the Bible in the first place. In addition, understanding is the foundation of obedience. If we don’t know what He wants, how can we obey Him?
Since the day we learned about you, we have not stopped praying for you, since Paul taught that we can know God’s will. Each day, we pray that the Holy Spirit will impart to you a deeper understanding of God’s will (Colossians 1:9, emphasis added; cf. Colossians 4:12). In another place, Paul urges his readers to have a handle on God’s will: “Therefore do not be stupid, but comprehend what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). To put God’s will to the test and approve it is our duty (Romans 12:2). An admirable goal is to try to figure out what God wants from you.
Here are some broad guidelines that might help us as we search for God’s specific will. (The information has been taken from a number of places, but most noticeably Charles Stanley’s The Will of God: Understanding and Pursuing His Ultimate Plan for Your Life, Howard Books, 2019).
- God’s Complete and Final Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 8:20).
God’s plan for our lives, both generally and in relation to particular issues, is laid forth for us in the Bible (such as loving others, speaking truth, maintaining sexual purity, etc.). The first step in dealing with any problem is to see whether the Bible gives us any guidance on how to handle it. If that’s the case, we know God’s will. Because God would never direct us to do anything that goes against His Word, this is a criteria that may be used to exclude potentially harmful options.
- Total Dedication (Psalm 37:3–4; John 7:17; Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 8:5).
A whole dedication to God is what He asks of us. We are missing the point if we seek direction in just one aspect of our life while ignoring God’s will in the other areas. The will of God encompasses all aspect of one’s life, from the choice of vocation to the selection of a vehicle, and demands nothing less than total devotion.
- Vow to follow God’s instructions in advance (Luke 22:42; Psalm 40:8; Hebrews 10:7–9; John 4:34; 5:30).
In order to find God’s will, we need to be ready to do what He asks of us, even if we don’t like it. Of course, we have our tendencies and interests. However, we must be prepared to forego our preference in favor of God’s unfailing (and thus superior) option. George Müller, a nineteenth-century preacher, testified that one of the ways he sought God’s will was by putting his heart in a position where it had “no choice of its own” in any particular situation. This same room contains nine-tenths of the world’s societal ills. When we really want to accomplish everything the Lord asks of us, nine tenths of the challenges disappear. When a person is in this frame of mind, “it is typically but a small distance to the awareness of what His will is” (Answers to Prayer: from George Müller’s Narratives, edited by A.E.C. Brooks, Lector House, 2020). Do we reluctantly consent to do His will, strongly want to do His will, or take great joy in doing His will?
- Invoke God (Pray) (Matthew 6:10; Luke 6:12–13; James 1:5).
“If any of you lacks knowledge, you should seek God, who gives liberally to everyone without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). (James 1:5). When making the request, one must do it in good faith and without any reservations (James 1:6).
- Contextual Factors (Acts 15:36–41; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Philippians 1:12–13).
Often, God uses the alignment of circumstances to steer us in a specific path. God is not only active inside us, but also in the world (see Acts 16:6–10). Although we must exercise care and seek for guidance before allowing occurrences to confirm and direct us in God’s purpose, it is true that circumstances may assist do so.
- Counsel (Proverbs 7:24; 15:22; 24:6; 28:26; Acts 13:2–3; 15:1–41).
Finding God’s will may be greatly aided by the wise advice of more seasoned Christians. A good counselor will be able to put things in perspective since they will know both the counselee and the circumstance well. The counsel will be grounded on the inerrant truth of Scripture and adapted to the specific needs of the listener.
7. Use of Reason (Proverbs 23:19; Titus 2:11–12).
The famous quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin reads, “Common sense is what everyone needs, few have, and none believe they lack.” In many situations, we rely on our common sense. Neither should we put too much stock in our innate wisdom or intuition at the expense of using our God-given capacity for analysis and reason. God often employs mundane methods. Taking a reasonable, practical attitude is godly most of the time, but there are occasions when God’s plan may be counter to common sense. For example, the disciples could not understand why Jesus would have them feed the 5,000 with a boy’s lunch.
- Be Open to the Holy Spirit’s Guidance (John 14:26; 16:7–13; Romans 8:27; 1 John 2:20).
Children of God who are trying to do God’s will are led by the Holy Spirit. Those who follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance are really God’s children (Romans 8:14). The Holy Spirit may guide us for weeks, years, or even decades in a certain path to help us fulfill His plans (see Romans 8:28–30; Hebrews 11). Additionally, He has endowed each believer with unique talents (1 Peter 4:10). The extent to which one is endowed may also be an indication for or against a certain activity.
- Being Happy With What You Have (Philippians 4:6–7; Colossians 3:15–17).
For the most part, we shouldn’t proceed with an action about which we have any doubts or anxiety. This doesn’t imply we won’t worry, but rather that we may rest certain that God has chosen this road for us and that we are following in His footsteps. Whoever does not judge himself by his own standards is blessed (Romans 14:22).
10. The Effects of Gospel Awareness on Society as a Whole (1 Corinthians 3:12–15; 9:19–23; Philippians 2:3–4; Colossians 3:17, 23–24).
In order to understand God’s intention for his life, Paul used a holistic approach. To choose the best course of action, he considered how each circumstance may affect his ability to spread the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19–23). He also instructs us to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). Clarity may be gained by seeing the issue through the lens of God’s nature and His grand purpose. How does God feel about this option? Does it respect Him or hurt Him?
- Thoughts on Stewardship (Luke 19:11–26; 1 Corinthians 4:1–2; 2 Timothy 2:4).
God has entrusted us with everything. All of who we are—our abilities, resources, health, and spiritual endowment—are part of this. Also, we need to set priorities correctly; sometimes “good” might get in the way of “great.” Can we expect this plan of action to increase our service to the Lord or hinder it?
- Act on God’s Will as You Learn It (Psalm 143:10; Mark 3:35; John 13:17; Philippians 2:12–13; James 4:13–17).
God does not reveal His will to us as a theological exercise or to sate our intellectual inclinations. He reveals His will to us so that we may carry it out. Do not only listen to the message and therefore fool yourself,” James 1:22 warns. Follow the rules”
It is God’s desire that we learn His will. As we read His Word and walk humbly before Him, the specifics of His plan become clear. The aforementioned twelve guidelines should facilitate the procedure.
When seeking to edify people and exalt the Lord, you will know what to do, the late Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe said in his With the Word Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 1991). (Refer to 1 Cor. 10:31; 14:26; Eph. 4:29; Colossians 3:17; Heb. 10:24-25.) Whatever the case may be, do what you know to be God’s will.
The last thing to remember is to not make finding God’s will more important than finding God. That they may know you, the one real God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent, this, Jesus replied, is everlasting life (John 17:3). Conforming ourselves to the likeness of Christ is God’s ultimate plan for us (Romans 8:28–30). Although reverence for God is important, knowing God is far more so. It is our hope and prayer that “he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
A prayer and call to action are found in Hebrews 13:20-21: “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
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