Finding God's Will

QUESTION: Finding God's will - What are my sources?

ANSWER:

Finding God's will involves having a close relationship with God. A simple analogy is the child-parent relationship. A father communicates to his child what he desires the child do. This involves relationship. The child hears and understands the will of the parent.

Finding God's will requires us to seek Him by spending time reading His Word, the Bible. God's Word is the primary source for discovering His will. Prayer is also essential in finding God's will. In prayer, we humbly ask God for direction and share with Him our desire to accomplish His will. This involves placing faith and trust in Him, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for our lives.

In finding God's will, one will need:

• A pliable and willing heart. Are you willing to do what God wants you to do? Isaiah 45:9 says, "…Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?...'"
  
  
• A general understanding of how God works. Finding God's will is not a one-time feat. God may want us to accomplish and do different things throughout our lives.
  
  
• A desire to learn, grow, and develop.
  
  
• A willingness to leave your concerns with God and rely on Him. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
  
  
• A desire to serve God and others.
  
  
• The ability to take inventory of yourself, discovering your likes and dislikes, discovering your gifts and talents. You may be asked to try new things!
  
  
• A willingness to listen to wise counsel and take confirmation from others.
  
  
• The desire to have the mindset of Christ. Jesus gave us many great examples of finding God's will and than doing it. He maintained a close relationship with His Father, stay faithful in prayer, fasted, and was led by the Spirit.

Often times, when we find God's will, we have an incomprehensible peace. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Finding God's will is not just a list of do's and don'ts. It is placing faith and trust in God, giving your life over to Him and being conformed to His image. Have you found God's will?