Determining the Will of God

God has a plan for our lives (see Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:15-17 & 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3). In this message I will share how it is possible to determine the will of God for your life.

1. Through the use of Scriptures. A lot of things are covered in the Bible that are part of God's revealed and general will for his people. You do not have to think about things that are specifically covered in the Scriptures. The Bible makes it clear what things we should not do and other things that we ought to do. In addition to these matters, God frequently speaks to us through his Word. An example is the Apostle Peter seeing in two passages from the Psalms that another individual should be selected to replace Judas (Acts 1:20-21). Many times God will make something clear to you through a passage or verse of Scripture--even if the original context is not related. So be sure to spend time in the Word.

2. The casting of lots was a method used to discern the will of God in Old Testament times. The early Church cast lots and the lot fell to Mathias and he was added to the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). This could be a bit chancy--I would suggest that we use our God-given intelligence to research all of the possibilities and then seek wise advice or counsel before making a decision. Have faith God will guide you.

3. The leading of the Spirit. Since Pentecost the Holy Spirit indwells all believers (Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus indicated to his disciples that one of the things that the Spirit would do for them is to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Christians should look for the leading of the Spirit which can be ascertained through the presence of peace in our lives or the absence thereof. The Spirit will give you an inner sense or conviction of what you should do.

4. Through Prayer. Speak to God, your heavenly Father, using prayer and ask him to show you what it is that he wants for your life. If you are faced with difficult decisions, speak to him as you would a parent and talk it out with him. When you pray things should crystallize or become clearer. Be sure not to do all the talking--allow time to listen for his voice. This is what I refer to as "two-way prayer." Asking others to pray for you or to pray with you is also beneficial.

5. Open and closed doors. When you are faced with several possibilities, after prayer and counsel, select one that seems best and move forward. If God closes the door, look for another one that is open and attempt to go through it. Frequently when God closes one door he will open another but you have to take initiative and move (see Acts 16:6-10; Colossians 4:3).

Doing these things will help you discover God's will for your life--including big or small matters.