How Do I Know God’s Will For My Life?
“I want to be in the center of God’s will!” That’s a statement I’ve heard several times from concerned people who have a large decision to make. Christians want to make sure they’re doing what God wants them to do. Skeptics or seekers are often interested in whether there is a God and what his will is for their lives.
What I’ve found in my own life, and in speaking with others, is that we’re often not consistent in how we “treat” the will of God. We want to know if it’s God’s will to go to this college or that, marry this person or that person, or move to city X. At the same time, we don’t ask if it’s God’s will that I eat spaghetti or chicken for dinner.
A theology college course taught by Dr. Bibza really impacted the way I think about the will of God, and I want to share what I hope are some helpful considerations as you genuinely seek God’s will for your life.
God’s Three Wills
Theologians generally think of three different wills of God.
God’s sovereign will comprises everything that has or will come to pass. Nothing is outside of this “will” for God knows and works through all things, even wicked things, to bring about his purposes. Humans are not responsible for knowing God’s sovereign will.
It is for God’s revealed will that humans are ultimately responsible. Deuteronomy 29:29 states: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” God’s revealed will, is his desired will which he reveals through the Bible. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” So, it’s as simple as that, right?! Simple to read, but difficult to live…
God also has a permissive will (which falls under his sovereign will). These are things that God permits that he doesn’t necessarily desire. God permits wickedness and evil, even though it goes against his character. Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed in a diving accident many years ago, once said: “Sometimes God permits what He hates in order to accomplish what he loves.” The cross is the greatest example of this. God permitted his one and only, innocent son to be betrayed and crucified to accomplish the very act that would allow sinful people into his presence forever.
Thus, it’s important to distinguish between the different “wills” of God.
Two Images of God’s Will
There are two images that are helpful as it relates to the will of God that God uses for himself—a Father and Shepherd.
A good father doesn’t tell their children everything that he knows about everything, but rather he tells the children all that they NEED to know. This is what God has done with the Bible.
Similarly, a good shepherd doesn’t guide his sheep to eating individual blades of grass but rather guides them into the safety of a large pasture where they are free to eat ANY of those blades of grass.
In other words, there is a large amount of freedom that a follower of Jesus has (as long as they are within the bounds of scripture). Thus, you could be a teacher or a pastor. You could live in Pittsburgh or Chicago. You could go to Pitt or Grove City College. God owns them all!
A Five-Fold Framework
However, that still begs the question of what you do when faced with making a difficult decision between two choices—even two good choices. Let the following five-fold framework provide some counsel:
Make a priority of biblical principles. Is there anything in Scripture that would either prohibit or encourage this particular decision?
Pray continually. Since God tells us to ask for wisdom (James 1:5-6), listen to his voice and how he may be responding to your prayer.
Seek wisdom from other Godly and trustworthy people. God often speaks through other believers (especially those who know us best). Their insight may be especially helpful.
Watch for open and closed doors. This one should be held with open hands and is not necessarily definitive. However, if you have a job offer from Pittsburgh or Chicago, but Chicago withdraws the offer, that may be a good indication of which job to pursue.
Use reason and logic. God has given us rational minds for a reason. For example, the Apostle Paul wanted to teach the Gospel in a place where Christ wasn’t yet known (Romans 15:20). When looking for church leaders, leaders are to look for these qualities (Titus 1:5-9). These are examples of biblical writers using their God-given logic to make important decisions. We can do the same thing.
Therefore, you and I can make decisions boldly and freely knowing that God is with you wherever you go! Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
