This blog post is a bit longer than usual but this is a question a lot of people have when it comes to finding and living into their life purpose so I wanted to really dive deep on this one.
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Many people find themselves wondering about God's will for their lives. They question their purpose, their decisions, and their direction. They may even feel lost or uncertain about the future. But the truth is, God's will for our lives isn't as mysterious or elusive as we might think. In fact, it is quite clear and accessible. God's will is not some complicated puzzle that we have to solve on our own. It is not a hidden secret that only a select few can discover. God's will is actually revealed to us through His Word and through the guidance of His Holy Spirit. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of God's will for our lives and how we can discern and walk in it. We'll discuss the difference between God's sovereign will and His specific will for us, the importance of establishing a relationship with God, surrendering our own will to His, and seeking Godly input and advice. We'll also explore how recognizing our spiritual gifts and listening to God's Spirit can help us align our lives with His will. By the end of this blog, you'll see that God's will for your life is within reach and that you can confidently walk in it.
Understanding God's Will
Understanding God's will begins with recognizing that His ultimate will is the advancement of His kingdom, His glorification, and the salvation and sanctification of His children through Jesus Christ. God's will is not separate from His plan for His kingdom and His children; they are one and the same. The Bible tells us that God's desire is to be in a loving relationship with us and for us to practice good deeds that reflect His character. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God has already prepared good works for us to do, and His will for our lives is to walk in obedience to Him and fulfill that purpose of holiness. It is important to understand that God's will is not limited to big, extraordinary plans or extraordinary feats. It is found in the ordinary, everyday moments of our lives. God's will encompasses every aspect of our lives, from our relationships and careers to our thoughts and actions. It is not a mystery to be unraveled; rather, it is a journey to be walked with God, one step at a time. As 1 Thessalonians 4:3 states, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification."
The Concept of God’s Will in Our Lives
Understanding the concept of God's will is fundamental to Christian living. It encompasses the belief that God has a specific plan for each individual. This includes the idea that God's will is not arbitrary but purposeful, guided by His wisdom and love. Recognizing God's will involves seeking His guidance in all aspects of life, from major decisions to daily activities. It also involves aligning one's desires with God's plan and submitting to His sovereign authority. Embracing God's will leads to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Differentiating between God’s Sovereign Will and His Will for Us
Understanding the difference between God’s sovereign will and His will for us is fundamental in discerning our path forward. God’s sovereign will encompasses His divine control over all things, including nature and history. On the other hand, His will for us refers to His specific guidance for our individual lives, which often involves decision-making and obedience. Recognizing this difference allows us to align our choices with His overall plan while seeking His direction for our personal journey. This distinction is crucial in navigating the complexities of God's will for our lives.
Walking with God: The First Step to Knowing His Will
Walking with God is the first step to knowing His will for our lives. It involves establishing a loving relationship with Him and cultivating an open line of communication through prayer and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. By walking closely with God, seeking His presence, and aligning our hearts with His, we can discern His will and experience the abundant life He has prepared for us. This can be done through various means, such as spending time in His Word, prayer, and actively seeking out small group Bible study opportunities within our church community. These small group Bible study opportunities provide a space for us to deepen our understanding of God's Word and grow in our relationship with Him, ultimately helping us to discover His will for our lives.
Establishing a Relationship with God
Establishing a relationship with God is the foundation for knowing and walking in His will. It begins with acknowledging our need for a Savior and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Through faith in Jesus, we are reconciled to God and adopted into His family. This relationship is not based on our own efforts or merits but on God's grace and love for us. As we grow in our relationship with God, we come to know His character, His desires, and His will for our lives. We do this by spending time in His Word, meditating on His promises, and seeking His guidance through prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths. By establishing a relationship with God and trusting in His guidance, we can walk confidently in His will.
Cultivating an Open Line of Communication with God
Cultivating an open line of communication with God is essential in knowing and following His will. It involves prayer, which is the way we communicate with God and seek His guidance. Through prayer, we can pour out our hearts, express our desires, and seek wisdom and direction from God. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer, also helps us in our communication with God. He intercedes for us, guiding our prayers and helping us align our will with God's. In addition to prayer, we can build an open line of communication with God by actively listening to His voice through His Word, the Bible. The Bible is God's written revelation to us, and it contains His wisdom, guidance, and promises. By studying and meditating on the Scriptures, we can discern God's will and align our hearts with His. To cultivate an open line of communication with God, we can spend time in worship, praising and thanking Him daily, not just once a week. This practice helps us stay connected to God and surrender to His direction for our lives. Here are few things to think about when cultivating your communication with God:
Set aside regular time for prayer and Bible study
Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives
Practice listening and being attentive to God's voice through His Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Surrendering Your Will to God's
Surrendering our will to God's is an essential aspect of knowing and following His will for our lives. It involves humbly submitting ourselves to His authority and trusting that His plans are greater than ours. Surrendering our will to God requires us to let go of our own desires, ambitions, and selfishness, and to wholeheartedly seek and obey His will. By surrendering our will to God, we open ourselves up to the abundant life and blessings He has in store for us.
The Importance of Surrender in the Christian Life
Surrendering our will to God is of utmost importance in the Christian life. It is an act of faith and obedience that demonstrates our trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Surrendering to God's will allows Him to work in and through us, transforming us into His image and enabling us to live according to His purposes. It involves letting go of our own desires, ambitions, and control, and yielding ourselves to His guidance and direction. Surrendering our will to God is not a one-time event but a daily surrender, as we continually seek to align ourselves with His will. It requires humility, trust, and a willingness to let go of our own understanding and plans. By surrendering our will to God and becoming faithful followers of Christ, we can experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with His perfect will.
Practical Steps to Surrendering Your Will to God
Surrendering our will to God isn't always easy, but it is necessary for us to know and follow His will. Here are some practical steps we can take to surrender our will to God:
Renew our minds: Romans 12:2 tells us to not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This involves aligning our thoughts and beliefs with God's truth as revealed in His Word. By daily immersing ourselves in Scripture and meditating on its truths, we can begin to think and see things from God's perspective.
Cultivate obedience: Obedience is a key aspect of surrendering our will to God. It involves actively obeying His commands and seeking to align our actions with His will. This requires a willingness to let go of our own desires and preferences and to trust that God's ways are higher and better than our own.
Seek accountability and support: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can provide guidance, support, and accountability is crucial in the process of surrendering our will to God. This can be done through participation in a small group Bible study, seeking out a spiritual mentor, or finding a community of believers who can help us stay on track and encourage us in our journey of surrender.
Obedience to God's Known Will
Obedience to God's known will, including abstaining from sexual immorality, is an important aspect of discerning and following His specific will for our lives. It involves aligning our actions with His commands and instructions as revealed in His Word. By obeying God's known will, we demonstrate our love for Him and our desire to walk in His ways. Obedience is not always easy, but it is essential for us to experience the fullness of God's blessings and to live in accordance with His perfect will.
Understanding God’s Commandments
Understanding God’s commandments is essential for discerning His will. In the Bible, His commandments serve as a guide for righteous living and moral decision-making. Through the teachings of Christ and the writings of the apostles, believers gain insight into the principles that reflect God’s character and desires for His people. By studying and internalizing these commandments, we align our actions with the revealed will of God and experience the transformation of our hearts and minds. It's through obedience to God’s commandments that His will becomes evident in daily life.
The Role of Obedience in Discerning God’s Will
Understanding the role of obedience in discerning God’s will is crucial for every believer. Obedience aligns our hearts with God’s, allowing us to grasp His perfect will. It involves submitting our desires and decisions to God, even when they contradict our understanding. In Romans 12:2, Paul urges us to renew our minds, enabling us to discern God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Obedience is not merely following commands, but a lifestyle of surrender and trust in God’s guidance, making it indispensable in knowing and fulfilling God’s will in our lives.
Seeking Godly Input and Advice
Seeking godly input and advice is an important aspect of discerning and following God's will for our lives. It involves seeking the wisdom and counsel of trusted believers who can provide guidance, support, and accountability. By seeking godly input, we can gain valuable perspectives and insights that can help us make wise decisions and navigate through life in accordance with God's will.
The Role of Spiritual Mentors
Having spiritual mentors in our lives is invaluable when it comes to discerning and following God's will. Spiritual mentors are individuals who have more experience and wisdom in their walk with God and can provide guidance, support, and accountability. They can help us navigate through difficult decisions, offer spiritual insights and perspectives, and pray with and for us. They can also serve as role models and examples of what it means to live a life surrendered to God. Building a relationship with a spiritual mentor involves trust, respect, and a willingness to learn from their wisdom and experience. By seeking the input and advice of spiritual mentors, we can gain valuable insights and guidance that can help us discern and follow God's will for our lives. Spiritual mentors can be found within our local church community, through small group Bible studies, or through personal connections. Having a spiritual mentor can be a great source of encouragement and support as we seek to walk in God's will.
Utilizing Other Resources
In addition to seeking the input and advice of spiritual mentors, we can also utilize other resources to help us discern and follow God's will. Books, devotionals, and study guides, can provide valuable insights, perspectives, and practical steps for living according to God's will. For example, I wrote a book specifically to help with this very idea of finding God's will for your life. These resources can help us deepen our understanding of Scripture, grow in our faith, and navigate through life's challenges. Resources, such as podcasts, sermons, and online teaching, can also provide guidance and encouragement as we seek to align our lives with God's will. By utilizing these resources, we can supplement our own personal study of Scripture and gain insights and wisdom from trusted Christian authors and teachers. It'ss important to be discerning and choose resources that align with biblical truth and are rooted in sound theology. With the abundance of Christian resources available, we can access a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to help us discern and follow God's will for our lives, taking the next step in our spiritual growth journey.
Recognizing How God Has Wired You
Recognizing how God has wired us is key to understanding how our unique gifts, passions, and personalities align with His will for our lives. By recognizing and embracing our spiritual gifts, aligning our passion and purpose with God's will, and seeking to use our gifts and abilities for His glory, we can walk confidently in the path He has prepared for us, just as the Apostle Peter admonishes us in 1 Peter 4:10.
Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts
Exploring and understanding your spiritual gifts is an important part of discerning and following God's will for your life. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to believers by the Holy Spirit to be used for the building up of the body of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom. They are given to each believer for a specific purpose and function within the body of Christ. Here are some examples of spiritual gifts:
Spiritual Gift | Description |
Wisdom | The ability to discern and apply God's truth and wisdom to practical situations and decisions. |
Leadership | The ability to lead, guide, and influence others toward a common goal or purpose. |
Teaching | The ability to effectively communicate and explain God's truth and wisdom to others. |
Encouragement | The ability to uplift, motivate, and encourage others in their faith and journey. |
Service | The ability to serve and meet the practical needs of others. |
Giving | The ability to give generously and sacrificially to support the work of God's kingdom. |
Mercy | The ability to show compassion, empathy, and kindness to those who are hurting or in need. |
Hospitality | The ability to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for others. |
By exploring and understanding your spiritual gifts, you can discover how God has uniquely wired and equipped you to serve Him and others. Your spiritual gifts can guide you in discerning the areas where God wants you to serve and can bring fulfillment as you use them for His glory. It's important to remember that spiritual gifts are not meant to be used for personal gain or pride, but for the edification of the body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom. As you explore your spiritual gifts, seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and consider how your gifts can be used to fulfill God's will for your life.
Aligning Your Passion and Purpose with God’s Will
Aligning your passion and purpose with God's will is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. It involves introspection, prayer, and seeking alignment with biblical principles. Discovering your spiritual gifts and understanding how they can be utilized to serve others is essential. Additionally, exploring how your passions can be directed towards glorifying God allows for a profound sense of fulfillment. As you align your aspirations with God's will, remember that it is a continuing process requiring patience, faith, and obedience to His guiding principles. It is a beautiful manifestation of living in accordance with His divine purpose.
Listening to God’s Spirit
Recognizing the Holy Spirit’s guidance is essential in understanding God’s will for your life. As you cultivate a deeper relationship with God, learning to distinguish His voice through the promptings of the Holy Spirit becomes increasingly natural. By aligning your heart and mind with the Spirit, you can gain clarity and direction in making decisions that are in accordance with God’s plan. This heightened sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading can profoundly impact the way you navigate life's choices and challenges.
Recognizing the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Recognizing the Holy Spirit's guidance is fundamental to understanding God's will for your life. By immersing yourself in prayer and scripture, you can attune your spirit to the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, staying connected to a community of believers and seeking mentorship can provide further discernment. Pay attention to the inner peace and assurance that comes with the Holy Spirit's guidance offering clarity in decision-making and aligning your path with God's perfect will. Embracing the Holy Spirit's guidance is pivotal in living a purposeful and fulfilling Christian life.
Learning to Distinguish God’s Voice
Learning to distinguish God’s voice is a crucial aspect of understanding His will for your life. This process involves developing spiritual discernment through prayer, meditation, and immersion in scripture. The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in guiding and speaking to you. Being attuned to God’s voice requires a deep, intimate relationship with Him. As you spend time with God, you’ll become more familiar with His character and the ways in which He communicates. Listening to God’s voice is a continuous journey of faith and obedience.
Paying Attention to Circumstances
Paying attention to circumstances is important in discerning and following God's will. God often uses the circumstances of our lives to guide and direct our steps. By observing the doors that open and close, the opportunities that arise, and the challenges that come our way, we can gain insights into God's leading and discern His will for our lives.
Interpreting Life Events in Light of God’s Will
Interpreting life events in light of God’s will involves discerning the underlying purpose behind the circumstances we encounter. Rather than attributing every occurrence to chance, believers seek to uncover how each situation aligns with God’s plan. This requires a deep understanding of God's character and His principles as revealed in the Bible. By evaluating life events through the lens of God’s will, individuals strive to align their responses and decisions with His perfect will, enabling them to walk in obedience and faithfulness. This perspective fosters a sense of purpose and confidence in God’s sovereignty.
Trusting God in Difficult Situations
Trusting God in difficult situations is a key aspect of discerning and following His will for your life. Difficult situations often test our faith and challenge our understanding of God's plan. However, God is faithful and trustworthy, and He promises to never leave us or forsake us. By trusting God in difficult situations, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on Him, even when we don't understand His purposes. Trusting God involves surrendering our own plans and desires, accepting His sovereignty, and believing that He is working all things together for our good. It requires a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. By trusting God in difficult situations, we can have confidence that He will lead us and guide us according to His perfect will.
Trusting and Obeying the Lord’s Plan
Trusting and obeying the Lord's plan is a foundational aspect of understanding God's will for your life. It involves surrendering your own understanding and aligning your decisions with the perfect will of God. By renewing your mind and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome doubts and fears. Cultivating a heart of trust and obedience allows you to walk confidently in the path that the Lord has designed for you, leading to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Overcoming Doubts and Fears
Overcoming doubts and fears is a common struggle when it comes to discerning and following God's will for your life. Doubts and fears can stem from a variety of sources, including past failures, lack of confidence, and uncertainty about the future. However, God does not want you to be paralyzed by doubts and fears. He wants you to trust in Him and have confidence in His plan for your life. Psalm 56:3 says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." By placing your trust in God and surrendering your doubts and fears to Him, you can overcome these obstacles and move forward in faith. It is important to remember that God is faithful and He will guide you and provide for you every step of the way. By leaning on His strength and relying on His promises, you can overcome doubts and fears and walk confidently in His will.
Cultivating a Heart of Trust and Obedience
Cultivating a heart of trust and obedience is fundamental to discerning and following God's will for your life. Trust involves relinquishing control and acknowledging God's sovereignty, while obedience entails aligning your actions with His revealed truths. This process requires consistent nurturing through prayer, studying scripture, and seeking guidance from mature believers. By actively cultivating trust and obedience, you position yourself to receive and faithfully follow God's leading in every aspect of your life. Embracing this mindset empowers you to live a purposeful, fulfilling life in alignment with God's divine plan.
Final Thoughts on God's Will For Your Life
In conclusion, knowing and understanding God's will for your life doesn't have to be a mysterious journey. It begins with establishing a relationship with God and cultivating open communication with Him. Surrendering your own will to God's is an essential step in aligning yourself with His plan. Obedience to His known will, seeking godly input and advice, recognizing your unique gifts and passions, and listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit all play a role in discerning God's will for your life. Additionally, paying attention to circumstances and trusting and obeying the Lord's plan are important aspects of walking in His will. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to get in touch with us. We're here to help you navigate this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to walk in God’s will?
Walking in God's will means aligning your actions and decisions with His purpose for your life. It involves seeking His guidance, obeying His commandments, and trusting His plan. By cultivating a close relationship with God and surrendering your will to Him, you can walk in His will with confidence.
How can I confirm if something is God’s will for me?
To confirm if something is God's will for you, seek guidance through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel. Pay attention to inner peace and alignment with God's character. Look for open doors and consider how it aligns with your God-given passions and abilities. Trust in God's timing and remain obedient.
Can God’s will for my life change?
Your perception of God's specific will for your life can change as you grow, learn, and evolve. It's important to stay open to God's guidance and be willing to adapt to His plan. Trust that God's will is always perfect, even if it changes along the way.
How can I stay aligned with God’s will when faced with challenges?
In challenging times, staying aligned with God's will involves seeking His guidance through prayer, studying His word, and relying on His strength. Trusting in His plan and surrendering our worries to Him helps us stay focused on His will. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth aligns us with God's purpose.
Dr. Justin Tilghman is a board-certified life and master mental health coach and certified NeuroMindfuless® Practitioner who specializes in helping clients live purposeful, meaningful, fulfilling, and balanced lives that make the most of their God-given potential. He is also a Fellow Member of the Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Affiliate.
