So how do you determine God’s will?
Once you’ve prepared your heart and you’re walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, what is the process of discerning God’s will and making a wise decision? Here are some resources to help you walk through the process:
1. Prayer – Luke 6:12-13 – Jesus spent the entire night in prayer to choose the disciples.
2. Word of God – Psalm 119:105 – “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” As you saturate your mind with the Word, you see what is important to God. You know His heart and what pleases Him. God’s will is always in agreement with His Word and will not go against His Word.
3. Circumstances – Romans 1:13 – Paul told the Romans, “I have often planned to come to you and have been prevented so far.” Circumstances can redirect us as we move forward in a direction. God often uses “closed doors” to clearly redirect, and He uses “open doors” to encourage us to keep moving forward.
4. Godly counselors – Proverbs 12:15 – “A wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Howard Hendricks said we should go to two types of experts for counsel: an expert on the subject I’m trying to decide on, and an expert on me (someone who knows me well).
5. Clear thinking/ sound mind principle – 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has given us a spirit of sound judgment, a sound mind. Use it. List the pros and cons of each option. Often, when I see a long list of pros and a short list of cons, or vice versa, it makes the decision very clear.
6. Step out. Make a decision. Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” If you are walking in the Spirit, your desire should be in line with God’s desire. Follow the desire of your heart if you are walking with God and under His Lordship.
I’ve always heard it said that you can’t steer a parked car, and it’s true. As you move forward in a direction, ask God to either confirm or redirect. Are you delighting in Him? Do you want to please Him? Then follow your desire as you keep your eyes on Him.
What other resources have you used to help you make a decision in line with God’s will?
