What Is God’s Will for Me?ናሙና

How to Discover God’s Will for Your Life?

Ephesians 5:17 “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.“ 

As a pastor, I have spoken to many about the subject of the will of God. It is so praiseworthy that believers want to know and then do the will of God. Some may see it differently, but I believe God’s will for each person is well planned and tailored for that individual. There are some similar answers regarding God’s will that apply to all people, but on a personal level, I believe God has specific destinies and plans just for you and for me. For example, if it is God’s will for you to get married, I believe he has a person for you. Some say no, God has any number of people we could marry and be happy with. I understand and respect that sentiment, but I still believe there is that one person. Also, I believe God has a specific job or employment designed for you. Most importantly, I believe God desires for you to have a relationship with Him and spend eternity with Him in heaven!

Years ago, I read Pastor Chuck Swindoll said if you are trying to ascertain God’s will for your life, then follow these four principles: 

1. Pray and talk to God about what you are facing. God loves to hear from His children. Ask God for wisdom and clarity; ask Him to specifically show you what He wants you to do with regard to the decision you need to make. 

2. Read the Bible and listen to God speak to you. The Bible is the Word of God. The Holy Spirit that inspired the biblical authors to write what God told them to write is the same Holy Spirit who illuminates our minds to understand and apply what He has written. As my pastor friend, Johnny Hunt, states, “God wants you to know His will for your life more than you want to know His will for your life.” 

3. Listen to the counsel of other followers of Jesus. This is so critical in ascertaining what God’s will is for you. Please listen carefully to the counsel of those who love Jesus and also who love and know you well. 

4. Be sensitive to what might appear as only random circumstances or coincidences. Please do not misunderstand me and conclude everything that happens to you today is God’s way of trying to speak to you. However, I do encourage you to be open and sensitive to what might appear as random and unrelated. God could very well be impressing something upon you He desires for you to do. 

I will add a fifth to Swindoll’s four: lean into what you are passionate about and gifted to do. If you are petrified to speak in front of people, you probably should not consider a career in sales or public speaking. If you are like me and science and math are foreign languages, God is probably not leading you to be a scientist, engineer, or medical doctor. Lean into your giftings and as you do, you might discover this is God’s will for you.

Will you pause and pray even now for God to speak to you and make it clear what He intends for you to do with regard to all things big or small? I am praying right now for you.