Sometimes I feel as if we talk about God’s will as if it’s a vapor, or some vague, diluted thing. We long for His will but we are unsure if we could ever discover it. We aspire to do the will of God, but act clueless as to what it is. Often we ask for clarity or some sort of sign, but on the contrary we’re trying to blend our sinful lifestyles with what the scripture teaches, and continue to wonder why we cannot discover the will of God. Another thing we allow which damages the ability to communicate with God is walking around with unconfessed sin. Doing this eliminates closeness to God, and without communication with the Father, we will never discover His will.
Whether those are the things hindering our clarity or not, here are a few ideas to help you discover the underlying issue of knowing Gods will:
Knowing Gods Will
Many times, God will speak through others but we are off leading a one-man wolf-pack. As a college student, I am far too young to have accumulated an abundance of wisdom. I would classify myself more in the learning stage than in a teaching stage. Therefore, it is crucial that I sit under other believers to receive access to their knowledge and wisdom. It is vital to your spiritual life to have accountability and someone to whom you can receive an unbiased opinion from.
Another thing I tend to forget is how in control God is. One of the best things we can do is embrace our current circumstances as Gods will for our life. God is not frantic or worried that things will not work out, not a single thing occurs without Gods approval first. So, embrace where you are, because where you are is where God has allowed you to be.
I’m sure you’ve heard the story about the man who gets caught in the flood. This man climbs up and sits on his roof praying to God to rescue him. Moments later, A rescue boat floats by and they call out to the man to rescue him, but the man replies “Thanks, but God is going to deliver me”. This scenario goes on several times where canoes, helicopters, and boats pass by but the man declines as he waits on God to rescue him. Well, the water continues to rise, and the man finally gets swept away. When the man made it to Heaven, he said to God “I put all my faith in you, why didn’t you come and save me?” and God responded to the man “Son, I sent you canoes, motorboats, and helicopters. What more were you looking for?” Many times we sit around waiting for God to physically pick us up and set us in a prime opportunity or situation. GO. Do something and I guarantee God will direct you.
Finally, what I consider the most vital step. Seek Gods will in the Word. The will of God for your life will never go against what He has already revealed to us in His Word. Basically everything God wants you to do is spelled out in the Bible. God will not mysteriously lead you into something that contradicts His Word. Also, know this: the devil is not afraid to proclaim the will of God, provided that he can preach it in his own way. “So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:18) Look to the Word of God to discover what His will is.
Applicable Scripture
Here is some scripture to get you started:
“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2)
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23)
Questions To Ask Yourself:
- How much of Gods revealed word am I currently following?
- Do I faithfully seek God through prayer and reading scripture?
- Am I doing my best to live apart from sin?
