Discovering God's Will for Your Life

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

Christians need to remember that God is not hiding his will from them.  Therefore, we must get beyond the thought that we must find what God is hiding. Here are some Biblical steps that will help you in understanding God’s guidance in your life, and with making choices that are pleasing to God. You can’t bypass a step when using this guideline!   

First, read your Bible.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) When you want to know God’s will for your life, always begin with his preceptive will.   What does the word of God say?  This will take daily discipline in reading, memorizing, and obeying the scriptures. 

Second, cultivate a heart for God.  “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)  When you walk in obedience to God’s word and keep in step with the Holy Spirit, you will develop a heart for God.  The Holy Spirit will give you direction. 

Third, you may need to get counsel from godly Christians.  “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” (Proverbs 1:5) When you walk with the wise you become wise.  

Fourth, look for God’s providence.  God will open and close doors of opportunity. “A man makes plans in his heart, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) 

Fifth, use sound judgment.  Sometimes God allows us to use what we call “common sense.” But only after we have made our way through the first four steps. “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch.” (Acts 15:22)

·      It is important to understand that the key to discovering God’s plan for your life is consistently walking with the Lord on a daily basis.  What are you doing to cultivate a daily walk with the Lord? Are their some things you need to change?

·      With 2012 right around the corner, write down some spiritual goals that will help you cultivate a closer walk with the Lord. 

·      Commit your goals to daily prayer.