How To Discern God’s Will For Your Life — By Meisha Johnson
We will all face big decisions. Which career to pursue; who we should marry; the best place to live, etc. All these choices will change the course of our lives, and none of them are easy to answer. And for those who’ve made Jesus Christ Lord over their lives, will also want to know what God says.
So, how do we know if we’re following the will of God? How can we be sure we’re following the right path? Let’s look at a few scriptures to help navigate this difficult, yet important question.
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Many people make the mistake of trusting their own intuition. Our intuition however, is often rooted in emotion. And making decisions based on emotion, will oftentimes let us down. Instead of jumping the gun based on gut feelings, take the time to pray. Ask God to fill you with His Wisdom and root out your own selfish desires. Our understanding is limited to what we can see right now. But when we trust our God, the One Who sees and knows all things, He will lead us in light of what’s eternal.
Romans 12:2: “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.”
According to the Apostle Paul, we are able to discern the will of God by the transformation of our minds. We live in a culture that tells us to pursue whatever makes us happy now: money, power, success, etc. But when we come to Christ, our priorities (and perspectives) shift completely. We will still be tempted by old patterns once in awhile. But God promises that if we stay focused on Jesus, He will align our steps with His perfect will.
John 6:40: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Finally, know that above all, God’s deepest desire is for you to love Jesus with your whole heart, mind and soul. It is His ultimate will for mankind, and everything good flows from that relationship.
When you truly love Jesus, you will trust Him. And when you trust Him, you’ll no longer worry about how everything will work out. He will gently close the wrong doors while opening all the right ones. And before you know it, you’ll not only be able to discern His will, you’ll be able to accomplish it.
Written by Meisha Johnson
