Can I KNOW God*s Will for My Life?

Life is downright confusing at times. There are lots of options out there. And making the right decision, the right choice, isn*t always easy to do. In fact, doing the right thing – following the will of God – can seem almost impossible at times. Sometimes we face the circumstances of life without a clue, having no idea what we should do. We would like to know the will of God, but the screen of insight and understanding is blank and we don*t know where to turn or which way to go.

At times like this we need to wait, and, while waiting, we need to pray for guidance and trust God to show us the way. That*s the starting point for discerning the will of God: asking, waiting and trusting until God makes His plan clear and His chosen course plain. When we have no obvious, clear and specific guidance, that*s the best and wisest thing we can do.

At other times, we "receive an impression" that perhaps we should do a particular thing, go to a certain place, or make some specific decision. When those "impressions" come, we need to be very careful about them. We need to study them carefully to be certain that they come from God. Here*s why...

That*s why we need to check out every "impression" alongside some basic guidelines for knowing God*s will. If God really wants us to do something, He will use several means to show us that the "impression" is true.

Someone once said that finding the will of God is like lining a ship up with a series of navigation lights when steering a course into a harbor. When all the lights are lined up, and when they*re all showing the same color, the pilot knows that the ship is on the proper course.

First, we will have the thought or impression – "you should do this" – but, along with the thought, there will be an inner witness in our heart – a witness of common sense – that*s it is the right thing to do. This inner witness will show us that the decision or action would be good for us, good for others, and good for God should we decide to do it – whatever it is. (Ask yourself: Would making this decision be good for me? How would it be good for others? How would it be good for God? Would it be the right thing for me at this time? Does it line up with common sense? Would it make a positive contribution to my growth in Christ?)

Second, God*s Word will in someway positively line up with the impression. Basic Bible principles will testify to the fact that following the "impression" would produce positive results. Or, God*s Word will show us that it wouldn’t be a good thing and might produce negative results. (Would this decision, for instance, help you avoid things you need to avoid – "shun evil and do good" – or would it draw you closer to those things? Would this contemplated step bring you closer to Jesus – God wants to conform us to the image of His Son – or would it give you opportunity to drift away from Him? Would this possible course benefit the Kingdom of God or detract from it?)

– a wonderful opportunity, an exciting ministry, a powerful possibility for growth, etc. (Has anything like that happened to show you that the possibility you*re considering holds wonderful spiritual possibilities for you that you can*t realize anywhere else, or in some other way? Has God opened some door that He obviously wants you to walk through?)

Finally, if a decision or possibility is the thing that God has in mind for you, He will give you an inner peace about it. There won*t be doubts or questions, just the certainty that everything is aligned and that you should step out in faith and discover what God has in store. If that peace does not come, the possibility probably isn’t from God. (Are you confused about the impression? Do you feel down deep in your soul that it is truly the best thing for you to do? If you don*t have a positive feeling toward the possibility it probably isn’t a positive choice. At least, not for you.)

(2) Does GOD*S WORD support the decision or stand against it?

If all five questions can be answered positively, then it is safe to trust that God is leading and to step out in faith. God*s answer is "GO."

If one or two of the questions cannot be answered, or must be answered negatively, you should give the "impression" a lot more prayer and careful examination. At best, God*s answer is "SLOW"

If most of the questions must be answered in the negative, there*s little question that this isn’t God*s plan for you. God*s answer is "NO."

Unless you have a clear answer, the best thing to do is wait. Stay right where you are. Keep doing what you*ve been doing. Keep trusting the Lord. And WAIT! He will work in your circumstances to bring everything into line. Keep faith with Him no matter how long it takes. When the time is right, He will show you the way – His way.

When God does have a direction in mind for you, He will make it clear. And it will be more than an "impression." The five tests will line up, the answer to every question will be a "green light" and God*s answer will be "GO."

Once you*re sure that you*ve received direction from God, go for it with your entire being. The will of God is only a step away!