Believers really do want to live in the will of God. Perhaps that is why I am so often asked the question in conferences, crusades and special meetings by so many people… "How can I know the will of God?"
We would all like to be -
"......as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart"
Ephesians 6:6
Like Jesus, we often pray, "… not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). Yet, we often have real difficulty knowing what God would have us to do. Allow me a minute to share three ways that God has used in my life to help in this area. I have also included some safeguards that might be helpful:
#1 - When you feel impressed to do something, check it out in light of God's Word. God will never lead you to do anything that is contrary to the plain teachings of His Word. If possible, find a verse or scripture passage that deals with the issue you are facing.
#2 - However, not every decision we have to make is covered in the Bible. At these times we must be dependent upon the leading of the Holy Spirit. Many times we can discern the leading of the Holy Spirit by an impression He makes upon our heart. However, sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference in our own personal desires and the leading of the Spirit. When this happens, it is wise to pray and to wait.
Our own desires usually fadeaway with time, but the leading of the Spirit grows stronger. His leading can become so strong that there is no longer any doubt regarding the will of God.
#3 - A powerful and practical way of knowing the will of God is by "open and closed doors". There are are times when more than one door is open to us, and we are puzzled at which way to turn. Usually, if we wait and pray, we will come to know that some of the open doors are not God's will for us. In time, some of these doors will close. Others may open, adding to the confusion, but caution, waiting on the Lord, and prayer will help to determine how God is leading.
A final word: Determining the will of God is a relationship builder! An opportunity to know HIM better!
What a wonderful way to start a new year [Originally sent Jan. 5th]– beginning every day with an open heart that says to our Heavenly Father , "I really want to do Your will today".
David A. Wood
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