As a pastor one of the most often questions that I get is “how do I find God’s will for my life?” When trying to find God’s will for our lives we often get confused because we’re looking for the wrong thing. We’re looking for some supernatural occurrence that makes our toes curl, or gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling that we are on the right path. The problem is that these things can be unreliable because they come for our own feelings and not the Holy Spirit. God’s will is a relationship. Here is something that Rick Warren wrote that I read several years ago. He wrote “The better you get to know God, the less confusion you’ll have about what his will is. Get to know God, and everything else becomes secondary”.
You won’t find a “quick and dirty” answer for finding and knowing God’s will for your life because it is a journey of relationship and surrender but here are eight principles that are key
Cultivate a Deep Relationship with God
Knowing God's plan begins with knowing God. Dive into His Word, Prioritize prayer, and actively engage in church and with a community of believers. Doing this will open your heart to His guidance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Surrender Your Own Will
Seeking God's will isn't about getting His approval on your plans. It's about aligning your desires with His. True surrender—a willingness to do whatever He asks—is essential before He reveals His path.
Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] 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.
Just as Jesus gave His life for us, we should be willing to live for Him.
Obey What You Already Know
God's Word already outlines much of His will. Are you living in obedience to what He's already revealed?
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
If we neglect the clear commands He's given, why should we expect further revelation?
Seek Godly Counsel
Surround yourself with wise, godly mentors. The people you spend time with influence you. Choose advisors who will encourage you toward God's path, not distract you from it.
Proverbs 11:14 NIV For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
Understand Your God-Given Gifts
God created you with unique talents and abilities for a specific purpose. His plan for your life will often align with these gifts. Explore and develop them, recognizing that they are gifts from God.
1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Listen to the Holy Spirit
Prayer isn't just about talking to God; it's about listening. Spend time in quiet reflection, bringing your questions to Him and listening for His response.
Psalms 85:8 NIV [8] I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.
Listen to Your Heart (in Alignment with God)
As you walk closely with God, He shapes your desires to align with His will. When your heart is attuned to His, the things He calls you to do will also be the things you love to do.
Psalms 37:4-5 NIV [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
Pay Attention to Your Circumstances
God often uses circumstances—open and closed doors—to guide us. While not every opportunity is necessarily God's will, these signs can provide direction. Just as Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit, we can look for God's hand in our lives.
Acts 16:6-10 NIV [6] Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. [7] When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. [8] So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. [9] During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” [10] After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Seeking God's will is a process. By embracing these eight keys, you can grow closer to Him and discover the fulfilling purpose He has for your life.
You won’t find a “quick and dirty” answer for finding and knowing God’s will for your life because it is a journey of relationship and surrender but here are eight principles that are key
Cultivate a Deep Relationship with God
Knowing God's plan begins with knowing God. Dive into His Word, Prioritize prayer, and actively engage in church and with a community of believers. Doing this will open your heart to His guidance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Surrender Your Own Will
Seeking God's will isn't about getting His approval on your plans. It's about aligning your desires with His. True surrender—a willingness to do whatever He asks—is essential before He reveals His path.
Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] 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.
Just as Jesus gave His life for us, we should be willing to live for Him.
Obey What You Already Know
God's Word already outlines much of His will. Are you living in obedience to what He's already revealed?
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
If we neglect the clear commands He's given, why should we expect further revelation?
Seek Godly Counsel
Surround yourself with wise, godly mentors. The people you spend time with influence you. Choose advisors who will encourage you toward God's path, not distract you from it.
Proverbs 11:14 NIV For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
Understand Your God-Given Gifts
God created you with unique talents and abilities for a specific purpose. His plan for your life will often align with these gifts. Explore and develop them, recognizing that they are gifts from God.
1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Listen to the Holy Spirit
Prayer isn't just about talking to God; it's about listening. Spend time in quiet reflection, bringing your questions to Him and listening for His response.
Psalms 85:8 NIV [8] I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.
Listen to Your Heart (in Alignment with God)
As you walk closely with God, He shapes your desires to align with His will. When your heart is attuned to His, the things He calls you to do will also be the things you love to do.
Psalms 37:4-5 NIV [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
Pay Attention to Your Circumstances
God often uses circumstances—open and closed doors—to guide us. While not every opportunity is necessarily God's will, these signs can provide direction. Just as Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit, we can look for God's hand in our lives.
Acts 16:6-10 NIV [6] Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. [7] When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. [8] So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. [9] During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” [10] After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Seeking God's will is a process. By embracing these eight keys, you can grow closer to Him and discover the fulfilling purpose He has for your life.
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