Knowing God's Will

The matter of knowing God's will is a complex one. There are no simple answers. Very often we must look at the broader aspects of the question in order to find insights for our personal lives.

First, knowing God's will is not finding one answer. It's not like getting a roadmap with every exit marked for you to follow completely. God created each of us with many talents, with variables in our personalities, and thus with the ability to find fulfillment in any of several different choices. So God's will for your life includes options, any of which you might choose and still be within what we call God's will.

The most specific source of information about God and his concern for individuals is the Bible. The Bible is a record of God and man in relation to each other. It is also a book of principles, not rules, for living. If one part can be said to be more important than another, then one should consider the Ten Commandments and the Gospels as giving not only explicit instructions for a positive productive life-style, but also as offering application for the general principles. Especially the Sermon on the Mount points to ways of relating to one another and to God according to his will.

Another source of information when one is trying to determine God's will or an appropriate choice is other people, especially wiser more mature Christians. This might be a pastor, teacher, friend, or relative. It should be someone whose life reflects the moral standards as well as the compassion and forgiveness seen in Christ's example. It should be someone you respect and trust and who exhibits an appropriate level of maturity.

Circumstances often give you insights concerning God's will. Sometimes you will find that certain courses of action are not possible; certain doors are closed. A major part of serving God is learning to operate positively within a given set of circumstances.

Prayer can offer a good deal of guidance in several ways, but remember you have to do a lot of the "answering" yourself. You can't just fold your hands and wait. God doesn't work for you, he works with you. When you consult God about your decision, it helps to see that choice in the light of ultimate consequences rather than limited ones. It helps you to see things from the perspective of ethical concerns rather than simply a passing whim. It makes you aware of his leadership working in a cooperation with your own interests. You often can sense his approval in a certain peace of mind that is experienced after making a decision, or a restlessness of spirit if your choice has been a poor one.

Finally, sometimes we cannot be certain what God's will is. In those cases, we usually do well to act on what we know or believe to be right and then remain open to learning and growth as a result of his decision.