4 Steps to Discover God's Will for Your life

How do I know or find the will of God for my life?

What does God want you to do with your life? Maybe you have an idea of what He is calling you to, but you’d like confirmation. Or maybe you’re not sure what God’s will is.

If we want to discover God’s will for our lives, then we need to intentionally draw near to Him every day. And although there isn’t one correct way to do this, there are steps we can take that help.

There are many ways that God uses to lead His children today, but I will limit myself to the following four that I think are the most significant steps to draw closer to God and discover His will.

1. Seek God through Prayer

Making big decisions can cause a lot of anxiety and worry, but you can turn to God with all your fears and uncertainties. The Bible tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done” Philippians 4:6.

Think about a recent conversation with a close friend. If you’ve known them for a while, you probably know what they like and dislike without asking because the closer you are to someone, the more you understand them.

The same goes for our relationship with God. Knowing God’s will comes from having honest conversations with Him. That’s why we need to get into the habit of talking to Him regularly, about everything.

You can read: Is Making Decisions All about Knowing God’s Will? Here

As you pray and ask God what to do, write down the sense of direction you get from Him over time. This will help you avoid being overly influenced by your most recent thought.

Prayer isn’t just about asking God what He wants us to do—it’s about getting to know who God is.

2. God leads us through His written Word. (By searching the Scriptures).

In Psalm 119:105, It was written, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path". 

God’s will for your life will never contradict what is written in Scripture. So as you get to know God through prayer, familiarize yourself with His Word. In the scriptures, there you will find His will, precepts and principles which are His leading and guidance.

Precepts are clearly marked statements, such as "Abstain from sexual immorality." That's like saying, "Speed Limit 35." What is speeding? Anything over 35 miles an hour. That's a precept.

Then there are principles in Scripture, and these are general guidelines that require discernment and maturity if we are to grasp them. Paul writes of "the peace of God" guarding and guiding our hearts and our minds (Philippians 4:7).

The more you study the Bible, the more your desires will begin to reflect God’s will. And when this happens, you can confidently ask God anything—and He will hear you.

3. Listen to the Holy Spirit (Inner prompting of Holy Spirit)

Listening for the Holy Spirit often requires silencing the noise around you. When you get rid of distractions and stop fixating on fearful feelings, you can start to notice God’s peaceful presence in your present circumstances.

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12–13)

So as you pray and search the Scriptures, ask God to reveal any feelings you need to surrender, and any others you need to give special attention. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through this process, and keep this in mind: you can feel uncertain and still experience God’s peace.

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

4. Look for confirmation from wise, qualified, trustworthy people.

The final say on what God’s will is should come from God, but it’s wise to seek trusted, outside advice. Consider inviting an individual who has proven himself or herself wise and trustworthy and, therefore, qualified to counsel on a given matter. People who are further ahead in their faith journey to be your “wise counsel.” Ask them to seek God’s will for your life with you.

 Usually, such individuals are older and more mature than you are.

This step must be done alongside the previous ones. Seeking wise advice should confirm what you sense God is already telling you to do—it should not take the place of talking directly to God.

Read Exodus 18:7-24, 

..But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “This isn’t the right way to do this. 18 It is too much work for you to do alone. You cannot do this job by yourself. It wears you out. And it makes the people tired too. 19 Now, listen to me. Let me give you some advice. And I pray God will be with you. You should continue listening to the problems of the people. And you should continue to speak to God about these things..

Doing God's will demands a decision. And that decision requires faith and action. You can't see the end, so you have to trust Him in faith and then step out. You have to act. Faith and obedience are like twins; they go together.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

You may not always get it right, but the more you try to understand God’s will, the easier it becomes. God created you on purpose, and He wants you to be involved in seeing His Kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven.”

When your desires align with God’s desires, He can trust you to do what is right. Applying these steps will help you do that, but this will be a lifelong commitment that involves seeking God every day.

Our message is the kingdom of GOD. Our mission is to prepare you for it.

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