Knowing God’s Will

Life constantly offers us choices. Of course, certain circumstances are beyond our control, but our attitude will still shape our response to these circumstances. As we ponder our next move, we must ask ourselves: What about the will of God? What choices does God want me to make?

In the Bible, the will of God can be understood on many levels. First of all, God’s will is for us to be saved. Jesus said, “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life” (John 6:40, see also Eph. 1:3-6). If the will of God concerns our salvation, the next step is the transformation that the presence of God causes in our lives. God wants us to let Him transform us day by day. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2).

As you seek God’s will, consider the following criteria. None alone is sufficient in itself, but together they can confirm how the Spirit is leading you.

• Do our plans match God’s principles as revealed in His Word?
• Do our choices bring us peace? It is normal to feel tormented and hesitant as we wrestle with a decision, but once we decide, a sign of its accordance to God’s will may be the inner peace we feel.
• What do friends and family think? The advice and confirmation of those close to us can be helpful, especially those in whom you can see God working.
• What do circumstances suggest? Of course, there may be obstacles to overcome, but events can be signs on our path.
• What is God telling you? Daring to have a fruitful dialogue with God through prayer can help you see clearly.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus invites us to tell God, “Your will be done” (Matt. 6:10). This implies a spiritual attitude of openness and trust—and responsibility. Praying “Your will be done” does not mean we just wait as if we were not concerned. Rather it is Jesus’ invitation to melt our will into that of God. We pray that our desires be God’s, that our thoughts be inspired by Him, and that our choices be conformed to the spirit of what Jesus did when He was on this earth.