The Will of God in One's Life

A friend I hold in high esteem recently asked me if I had any suggestions or insights on knowing what the will of God is as it pertains to her life. The question posed was one that would require some thought. The question asked is apropos to everyone. What is the will of God for one’s earthly life? Thus, I decided to share my response to both my friend and all who read this posting.

Knowing God’s will is sometimes difficult because it requires patience. It’s natural to want to know all of God’s will at once, but that’s not how He usually works. He reveals to us a step at a time—each move a step of faith—and allows us to continue to trust Him (see James 4:17). Too often, we want God to give us specifics.  As we walk with the Lord, obeying His Word and relying on His Spirit, we find that we are given the mind of Christ (see 1 Cor. 2:16). We know Him, and that helps us to know His will. We find God’s guidance readily available. If we are walking closely with the Christ and truly desiring His will for our lives, God will place His desires in our hearts. The key is wanting God’s will, not our own (Ps 37:4). All this said, how do we really know what He has in store for our lives? As the psalmist said: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps. 119:105). In essence the journey begins through God’s written word. You will never go wrong in consulting Scripture. Just be sure you pay close attention to the context and the peace of God will guide and guard our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7).

God also leads us through the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit (Phil. 2:12-13). The inner prompting of the Holy Spirit gives us a sense of God’s leading, although that leading is not always what we might call a feel good experience. One must remember that the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Prov. 16:9). The inner prompting is crucial, because much of the time we simply cannot figure it out. Let us not forget that man’s steps are ordained by God.

Additionally, God leads us through the counsel of wise, experienced, faithful, trustworthy people. Wise and trustworthy counselors are persons who want for you only what God wants. Such persons will stay objective, listen carefully, and answer deliberately. Often they won't give you an answer at the time you ask for it. They want to sleep on it; they want to think and pray about it.

Finally, and most importantly, God leads us into His will by giving those who seek His will an inner assurance of peace (Col. 3:15). God's inner assurance of peace will act as an adjudicator in your heart. The will of God for our lives is not theory; it is reality. The bottom line: we have to live out His will in the real world. 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 inseparable.  

To my young friend and others who read this posting, I in fact did contemplate the question asked. My posting was written following a passage of time which enabled me to think, pray about and respond to the previously stated question: How do I know what the will of God is as it pertains to my life? To all I say, earnestly seek and you will find His will for your life.