As we enter a new year, many of us reflect on our lives and seek direction. We often hear phrases like “finding God’s will” or “discerning God’s plan,” but what does this mean? Is God’s will something elusive that we must search for, or is it more readily available than we realize?
Let’s challenge some common misconceptions about God’s will and explore a refreshing perspective that can transform our approach to decision-making and spiritual growth.
The Myth of Circumstantial Signs
Many believers fall into the trap of looking for signs in their circumstances to determine God’s will. They might say, “If this job offer comes through, I’ll know it’s God’s will for me to take it.” Or, “If the weather is good on Sunday, I’ll know God wants me to attend church.” This approach, while common, is not Biblically sound.
Even in the Old Testament, when God dealt more directly with Israel through signs and wonders, circumstances alone were never meant to communicate His will. The Israelites always had God’s written law as the primary guide for understanding His desires for them. When faced with drought or enemy attacks, they didn’t have to guess at the meaning – God’s law clearly explained the consequences of obedience and disobedience.
Consider the story of Gideon in Judges 6. Despite receiving clear instructions from God, Gideon repeatedly asked for signs, laying out fleeces and seeking additional confirmation. While God graciously accommodated Gideon’s requests, this behavior demonstrated a lack of faith rather than spiritual maturity.
The Danger of “Inner Voices“
Another common misconception is the idea that we must listen for God’s “still, small voice” or rely on inner promptings to know His will. While God can certainly speak to our hearts through His Word, relying solely on subjective feelings or impressions can be dangerous. It’s all too easy to mistake our desires or emotions for divine guidance.
The Apostle Paul never speaks about waiting for inner promptings or seeking mystical experiences to make decisions. Instead, we see him making choices based on his understanding of God’s revealed will in Scripture and his assessment of practical circumstances.
God’s Will Revealed in His Word
The liberating truth is that God has already made His will known to us through His Word. As Ephesians 1:9 states, He has “made known unto us the mystery of his will.” We don’t need to search for hidden messages or secret plans. God’s desires for our lives are clearly laid out in Scripture.
Consider these clear statements of God’s will:
- “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
- “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
These passages, among many others, provide clear guidance for how we should live. God’s will is primarily about our character and our relationship with Him, not about the specific details of our careers or life circumstances.
Freedom and Responsibility in Decision-Making
Understanding that God’s will is revealed in His Word frees us to make decisions with wisdom and discernment. We’re not left paralyzed, waiting for a mystical sign. Instead, we can confidently move forward, guided by biblical principles and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
This perspective doesn’t mean that every decision is explicitly spelled out in Scripture. Rather, it means that as we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and allow it to transform our minds, we develop the capacity to make wise choices that align with His character and purposes.
Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 7:39 regarding marriage: “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” Notice the balance between freedom of choice and the guideline of marrying a fellow believer. God doesn’t dictate who we should marry but provides a framework for making that decision wisely.
Living Out God’s Will
So how do we practically apply this understanding of God’s will? Here are some key principles:
- Prioritize Knowing God’s Word: Immerse yourself in Scripture, allowing it to shape your thinking and values.
- Seek Spiritual Maturity: Focus on growing in Christ-like character and living out of your identity in Christ rather than trying to decipher hidden messages in your circumstances.
- Make Decisions With Confidence: Trust that as you align your life with God’s revealed will, His Word contains the answers when you don’t know what to do.
- Embrace Your Freedom in Christ: Recognize that many decisions in life (career choices, where to live, etc.) fall into areas of Christian liberty. Make these choices prayerfully and wisely, but without fear of “missing” God’s will.
- Be An Ambassador: Understand that God’s primary will is for all people “to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Wherever you find yourself, seek to be an ambassador for Christ in that context (2 Corinthians 5:20).
As we enter this new year, let’s shed the anxiety and uncertainty that often surrounds the concept of “finding God’s will.” Instead, let’s embrace the freedom and responsibility we have as mature believers to live out God’s clearly revealed desires for our lives. By focusing on knowing God’s Word, growing in spiritual maturity, and making decisions with Biblical wisdom, we can confidently move forward, knowing that we are walking in His will.
May this year be one of spiritual growth, confident decision-making, and joyful obedience as we align our lives with the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God revealed in His Word.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Resources For Further Study
Finding God’s Will for You in A New Year (YouTube Message)
Decision Making and the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View by Gary Friesen & J. Robin Maxson