> The question of God’s will for our lives is one that countless Christians have grappled with over the centuries. We all want to know what God’s purpose and plan is for our individual lives. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the Bible does provide some guidance on discerning and following God’s will.
God’s Universal Will Revealed in Scripture
First, we need to understand that there are aspects of God’s will that apply to all believers universally. These are made clear in the commandments and teachings found throughout Scripture. For example, it is God’s will that we:
- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and, love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)
- “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)
- “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
So part of God’s universal will is that we devote ourselves fully to Him, strive to grow in holiness and Christ-likeness, and live with an attitude of continual prayer, rejoicing and thanksgiving. Obedience to these revealed commands should be the starting point.
“The key to understanding God’s will is to have a heart that delights in pleasing Him in all things.”
Charles Stanley, Christian pastor and author
God’s Specific Will for Each Life
While Scripture gives us God’s universal will for all believers, it also indicates that God has a unique plan and purpose for each person’s life. We see this in verses like:
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
These verses assure us that God has prepared specific “good works” and a hopeful plan tailored for each of our lives. The journey is discovering what those works and that plan involves.
“God’s will is not something you should seek to accomplish apart from His grace. His will is the atmosphere He wants you to breathe, by His grace.”
John Piper, Christian theologian and author
How Can I Discern God’s Specific Will for Me?
While God’s will is ultimately a mystery that we cannot fully know this side of eternity, the Bible gives some guidance for discerning His leading:
1) Pray fervently for wisdom and understanding of His will (James 1:5, Colossians 1:9)
2) Study the Scriptures to renew your mind and gain spiritual discernment (Romans 12:2, Hebrews 5:14)
3) Seek godly counsel from spiritually mature believers (Proverbs 15:22, 19:20)
4) Pay attention to the desires and gifts God has placed in your heart, as they may indicate His calling (Psalm 37:4, Philippians 2:13)
5) Be obedient to what you already know of God’s will, and He will reveal more (John 7:17, Psalm 25:9)
6) Look for open/closed doors of opportunity that may be God’s leading (Revelation 3:8, 1 Corinthians 16:9)
7) Make decisions based on biblical principles like love, service, integrity (Philippians 1:9-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
Ultimately, discerning God’s specific will involves prayerful pursuit, obedience to what He has already revealed, biblical wisdom, godly counsel, and watching for His leading step-by-step. It’s a journey of faith, surrender and allowing God to guide us day by day.
“The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it’s going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.”
Elisabeth Elliot, Christian author and speaker
Our Response to God’s Will
When we catch glimpses of God’s will for our lives, our response should be one of humble obedience, trust and rejoicing that the sovereign God would give us a unique role in His redemptive plan. We pursue His will not out of duty, but out of love, gratitude and assurance that His plan is good. As Jesus prayed, so we too should pray: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). And when we inevitably face uncertainties or detours, we can entrust our lives to the One who promises to “direct our paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
For Further Study
Here are three book recommendations for further study on finding God’s will:
- “Just Do Something” by Kevin DeYoung
This book challenges the often-paralyzing notion that Christians must find the perfect will of God before making a decision. DeYoung encourages readers to embrace biblical wisdom and make godly choices based on the principles found in Scripture, rather than seeking a specific individual will for every decision. (Read a review) - “Decision Making and the Will of God” by Garry Friesen
Friesen’s book provides a comprehensive biblical framework for discerning God’s will. It offers practical guidance on how to approach decision-making, distinguishing between the moral and sovereign will of God, and discerning the Lord’s leading in various areas of life. (Read a review) - “Pursuing God’s Will Together” by Ruth Haley Barton
This book explores the concept of finding God’s will in the context of community and spiritual discernment. Barton emphasizes the importance of corporate discernment, spiritual practices, and listening to God as a community, rather than relying solely on individual efforts to determine His will. (Take a peak)
These books offer diverse perspectives and approaches to understanding and aligning with God’s will. They provide biblical insights, practical guidance, and thought-provoking challenges to help readers navigate this crucial aspect of the Christian life.
