One of the most common questions I hear from young people is, “How can I know what God’s will is for my life?” It’s a legitimate question. How can anyone discern what God desires for their ministry, career, marriage, or any other aspect of life?
Understanding His will for specific areas of our lives is crucial. I’ve pondered these questions myself, and I’d like to share what I’ve discovered with you.
Hearing the Voice of God
Hearing God’s voice during my most critical moments has fostered a profound faith within me, which in turn has spurred me to take action. Over the years, I’ve learned that understanding and following God’s will brings the greatest blessings.
To follow God’s will, we first need to know it. And to know it, we must spend time building a relationship with God.
Five Ways To Know God
1- Believe in God’s Goodwill Towards You
It might seem simple, but many struggle to believe that God has good plans for them and sees them as precious. The Bible says:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
Jeremiah also says,
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
God isn’t out to harm you; He has a purpose for your life. You were planned and created with intention, bearing His image and likeness. Believe that He has good thoughts towards you.
2- Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is crucial. In Acts, Paul says:
“So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'”
Acts 9:6
Paul acknowledges Jesus as Lord, obeying without knowing the next steps because he trusts in Him.
Similarly, in Hebrews says,
“Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.'”
Hebrews 10:7
Sometimes, God doesn’t reveal His specific will to those who might not obey if they dislike the answer. True submission means saying, “Lord, I will do whatever You ask,” which, though challenging, brings blessings and maturity.
3- Renew Your Mind
Discerning God’s will requires a renewed mind.
The Apostle Paul said in,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2
Ephesians adds,
“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:17
As you engage with God’s Word through reading, listening to podcasts, and other means, your mind is renewed. This renewal aligns your thoughts with Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through inspired ideas and insights.
4- Minister to the Lord
Spending time in God’s presence opens you up to His guidance.
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'”
Acts 13:2
By ministering to the Lord, you receive His ideas and understanding. Waiting in His presence changes your perspective and makes His will clear to you.
5- Do What You Know You Should Be Doing
Philippians we are encouraged,
“Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”
Sometimes God’s will is obvious, but we hesitate.
Samuel tells King Saul,
“And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you.”
First Samuel 10:7
Act on what you know you should do, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you in decisions that align with Scripture.
I pray that God will guide your life. The greatest part of our walk with God is not just the gift of new life, but the blessing of knowing and being led by Him.
