Aligning Yourself With God's WillSample

\Lessons Learned Along the Way

For those considering taking the steps to finding God’s sacred pace, there are often questions. One common question is, “How do I know if the Holy Spirit is nudging me, or if I’m acting on human intuition?” The power that is at work when you are actively trying to align with God’s will brings a supernatural knowing. It is grounded in the Word of God and delivered to you through the Holy Spirit—if you’re a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works above and beyond your physical senses. The primary signs of divine direction are not only peace, but the other fruits of the Spirit become evident in your character as well (see Galatians 5:22–23).

Another common question is, “When should I apply the process of slowing down to reach neutral? For every decision, or only the big ones?” Consider the following criteria to answer this: (1) Does it really matter to me? (2) Do I have peace about it? (3) Am I overly enticed by this opportunity? (4) Is this decision complicated by confusion or other obstacles that make the solution unclear? When you align yourself with God before you act, you want to respond to His leading.

One challenge is in the question, “How can I help myself stop the hurrying?” You can almost never trust that an immediate impulse is a godly one. Look for ways to distance yourself from the pull of your own flesh and the world. Decline opportunities that feed your sinful nature to want to impress others. If you’re moving too fast and not seeking God’s answer, you need to put on the brakes. When you hurry, you may be getting in the Lord’s way! Pray and wait—even if it means asking for more time

“Is the process painful?” The answer is, “Yes.” But most of the best things in life involve pain. To accept that pain can be a blessing brings you to a place where God can change you. Thankfully, God only allows as much struggle as is necessary to bring you to a place of surrender, peace, and clarity. The Spirit wants to reward you with your heart’s desires if you will be patient and let Him do what He does best. This kind of pain is your friend because it will pull your fear, pride, and selfishness out of your life and draw you closer to the Lord.

Waiting on the Lord helps you resolve the question, “Are they God’s desires or mine?” When the Spirit guides, you will be able to sift through all the elements of making a decision and discern His will. Training yourself to wait on the Lord will help you find out what is in your heart and keep you on His pace. You have to give up yourself so God can have His way.

Move forward through your questions knowing that those who hear and heed God’s voice—those who seek and await His presence with confidence that He will make himself known—will enjoy a fruitful life that is aligned with God’s will.

Respond

What questions or concerns do you have in seeking God’s will for your decisions?

What part of the process of waiting on the Lord seems the most difficult to you? What benefits do you look forward to?

How have you recognized the Holy Spirit helping you recognize God’s hand in your circumstances?