Have you ever wondered what God’s will is for your life? Knowing and following God’s will is one of the greatest treasures you can have as a Christian.
But before you can understand God’s specific plans for your life, you first need to know God by having a relationship with Him.
In this blog post, I’ll explore biblical principles for understanding and finding God’s will. I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about how God reveals His plans to us.
By the end, you’ll have practical guidance to align every area of your life with God’s perfect will.
Don’t Conform To The World But Be Transformed (Romans 12:1-2)
The first essential key to discover God’s will is to refuse to be squeezed into the mold of this world. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) says:
“1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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Conforming to the world means adopting its priorities, standards, and values. For example, society may tell you that money, pleasure, and fame lead to happiness.
But as Christians, God calls us to very different standards – serving others, investing in eternal rewards, and bringing glory to Him.
So the starting point is to make a decisive choice not to be pressured into the world’s ways. Instead, God wants to transform you by renewing your mind.
This happens as you read Scripture, pray, worship, and fellowship with other believers. Slowly but surely, your mind will be renewed to match God’s perfect will.
Action Step: What’s one area where you feel most pressured to conform to the world’s standards? Ask God to help you transform your mindset in that area.
Allow God to Transform Your Thinking (Romans 12:1-2)
In the above verse, Paul continues to emphasize mental transformation as the key to understanding God’s will.
Our minds are naturally inclined to the world’s way of thinking. But as you fill your mind with Scripture, your assumptions and patterns of thought radically change.
For example, the world says to pursue money at all costs because wealth equals success. But Scripture shows us God’s definition of success is very different – loving Him and people wholeheartedly.
As you meditate on Bible verses about money, the Holy Spirit slowly changes your mental framework.
You’ll begin viewing finances through an eternal perspective rather than just seeking to get rich quickly.
This mental shift is essential for discovering God’s will in all areas of life. He often leads through implanting new desires, values, and ways of thinking within us.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
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Action Step: Choose one topic to study deeply this month (money, relationships, ministry, etc). Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your mindset.
Die to Your Own Will (Isaiah 55:8-9, Matthew 26:39)
One huge obstacle that hinders us from following God’s will is our stubborn self-will. We all tend to want our own way, seeking our own Glory rather than God’s.
But Jesus showed us the remedy – surrendering our human will so that God’s will can prevail.
In Matthew 26:39, Jesus pleaded for the Father to spare Him from the cross, but ultimately surrendered, saying “Not my will but yours be done”.
Full surrender is difficult, but it’s the only way to walk in God’s purpose and blessing instead of stumbling down your own path.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
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Action Step: What’s one area you’ve struggled to fully surrender to God? Pray earnestly and trust God to give you victory by yielding your will to Him.
Seek God’s Wise Counsel (Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 11:14)
Searching Scripture is essential for understanding God’s will for your life. Another key component is seeking wisdom from other believers.
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) emphasizes the power of godly counselors:
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
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As we seek advice from spiritually mature Christians, blind spots in our thinking get revealed. Their objectivity helps confirm whether certain decisions line up with God’s Word or not.
For major life decisions, it’s important to seek advice rather than relying solely on your subjective impressions.
Many Bible characters made catastrophic mistakes by failing to consult others first.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalms 119:105 (NIV)
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Action Step: What’s one upcoming decision where you need to seek wise counsel from mature believers? Schedule a conversation.
Follow God-Given Desires (Philippians 2:13)
As you choose to delight yourself in the Lord, He begins to shape your deepest desires. Instead of chasing selfish ambitions, you’ll start longing for the things that align with God’s will.
Philippians 2:13 (NIV) explains this process where God intricately works within your mind:
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
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Pay attention to newly implanted interests, dreams, and inclinations emerging within you.
For example, perhaps you suddenly feel a tug towards overseas missions or mentoring inner-city youth. These new passions likely reflect the Holy Spirit’s promptings toward God’s will for you.
However, hold your desires loosely in case they contradict Scripture or godly counsel.
Desire alone isn’t enough to guarantee the right decisions. But it often serves as a helpful nudge toward God’s direction.
Action Step: Does your current career or calling match newly emerging desires? If not, explore options for bridging the gap.
Listen for God’s Peace (Philippians 4:7)
In addition to new desires, the Holy Spirit also directs us through an inner sense of peace. As you weigh decisions, supernatural peace acts as a compass pointing you toward God’s best path.
Paul describes this “peace which transcends all understanding” in Philippians 4:7 (NIV):
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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Let’s say you narrow a job offer down to two great options. As you prayerfully consider both choices, one pathway gives you assurance and rest despite the uncertainties ahead.
The other option still nags you with tension. That inexplicable peace serves as the Holy Spirit’s green light towards God’s will.
However, don’t use inner peace as an excuse to ignore common sense or Biblical truth!
Action Step: When facing a decision, ask God to give peace as you prayerfully weigh your options in Scripture’s light.
Watch for Confirming Signs (Psalm 37:23)
As you step out in the direction you believe God is leading you, He kindly provides additional confirmation along the way.
These signs will confirm that you are indeed walking along His pathway.
Psalm 37:23 (NASB) says:
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way.”
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For example, let’s say you applied for a mission trip to Haiti which you sensed God nudging you towards. After submitting the application, a friend gifted you an envelope filled with the exact cost of the airline ticket.
This surprising provision clearly confirms God’s leading towards the trip.
However, be wary of using signs as an excuse for risky decisions if you haven’t already confirmed your choices in scripture, prayer, counsel, and wisdom.
Action Step: Reflect on how God has guided you recently. What signs has He used to confirm His leading after your initial steps of faith?
Key Takeaways
Finding God’s perfect requires intimacy with Him through scripture, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit’s inner promptings.
Here are some key principles to remember:
- God often leads through the renewing your mind not external signs
- Surrendering your own will to His is essential to following God’s paths
- Seek wise counsel from mature believers rather than relying solely on your internal impressions
- Pay attention to new passions and interests developing within you
- Supernatural peace serves as a compass pointing you toward God’s best
- Confirming signs will encourage you that you are on the right track after taking the initial steps of faith
As you walk closely with Jesus, you’ll hear and understand His voice better. You’ll learn to filter decisions through the lens of His character and Word.
Final Thoughts
Understand that discovering God’s will is a journey of lifelong transformation rather than a one-time decision. We constantly realign our goals, priorities, thoughts, and character to match Christ’s perfect image.
God promises that if we commit to obedience, He will unfold the next steps at the proper time (John 7:17). Walking in His will ultimately leads to blessing, purpose, joy, and reward regardless of the cost.
I pray this overview on finding God’s will serves as an encouragement and guide. Submit your decisions confidently to our faithful Father. He promises to light up the path ahead even when you can’t yet see the destination!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s explore some common questions about how to discern God’s will:
Q. How can I know if a desire lines up with God’s will or if it’s just my selfish wishes?
A. Bring new interests before God in prayer. Ask Him to purify motives and highlight any contradictions with scripture.
Discuss new passions with a spiritual mentor as well. Our close friends often notice mixed motives that we miss.
Q. What if I feel supernatural peace about a choice but other Christians disagree?
A. Don’t dismiss input from wise believers, especially if they know you well. However, determine whether their concern stems from actual scriptural truth or personal preferences.
Ask God to lead the counselors as well. Often group discernment leads to greater wisdom.
Q. What if I feel tense and confused rather than peaceful assurance?
A. Avoid rushing decisions until you have confidence regarding God’s leading. Spend focused time in scripture study and prayer around your decision.
The Holy Spirit delights in revealing direction to those who seek Him wholeheartedly. As you realign your thoughts with His truth, He will fill you with supernatural confidence regarding the next steps.
Q. How detailed is God’s will for my career/ relationships/family etc? Does He have one perfect blueprint?
A. Rather than a single roadmap, God’s will includes principles that transform your character in every life scenario.
For example, Romans 12:1-2 shows fulfilling God’s will requires nonconformity and transformation.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 advises us how to act in loving ways. God cares more about who we become rather than micro-managing each detail.
Q. What if I feel certain about God’s leading but circumstances don’t work out?
A. Remember that following God’s path doesn’t guarantee ease or comfort. Despite taking faithful steps certain doors may close. But take heart – failed plans often prepare us for better, unimagined paths that align with God’s perfect will.
Rather than demanding explanations from God, trust His wisdom and timing. Faithfully steward current opportunities while awaiting revelation regarding your next steps.
