Inspiration

What Is The Will Of God? (with Video) Biblical Explanation, Examples, And How To Know The Will Of God

God has a specific plan and purpose for us; understanding His will can empower us to live whole and meaningful lives. So let's dive deeper into this life-changing concept and discover how we can walk out our destiny as our Creator intended!

Last Updated:
January 17, 2024
April 11, 2023
  •  
9 Minutes

Table of Contents

Have you ever wondered what the will of God is? Have you ever wanted to know how to identify and follow God’s will? We often hear people talk about being “in the will of God” or “out of the will of God,” but have you ever stopped considering what these terms mean?

God has a specific plan and purpose for us; understanding His will can empower us to live whole and meaningful lives. So let's dive deeper into this life-changing concept and discover how we can walk out our destiny as our Creator intended!

1. Definition

God's will can be described as His divine purpose and plan for our lives. He places supernatural guidance in our hearts and minds so that we may better serve Him and His Kingdom. It is not something that can be easily seen or heard; instead, it is a feeling within us that guides us to make decisions and take action according to His purpose and plan for our christian lives.

We ask Him to reveal His divine plan when we seek God’s will. We seek wisdom and direction to align our actions with His perfect design for us. We are looking for signs, messages, and revelations to help us understand how He wants us to live our lives by His desires and plans.

Ultimately, knowing God's will requires faith and trust in His sovereignty. As we seek Him out through a solid prayer life and listening for His voice, He will provide the answers we need to discern what He desires for us in this life.

2. Bible's Perspective On God's Will

First and foremost, we must accept His sovereignty over our lives to discover His will. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." By understanding that God has a plan for us, we can discern what He desires us to do in any situation.

The Bible also provides many examples of how believers responded when they felt like they were being led by God’s hand. Abraham trusted God’s promises and left his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11: 8). Joseph followed his dreams and ended up in Egypt (Genesis 41:14-45). The Israelites obeyed Moses' commands despite their fear (Exodus 14:15-18). All these people trusted God’s leading in their lives.

We can also see throughout scripture that obedience is vital when discerning God’s will. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages believers “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Only through obedience can we be sure we are fulfilling His will for our lives.

By studying scripture's teachings and looking at biblical examples of those who followed after God's heart, we can begin to understand how to know within our hearts what His will might be for us individually. But, ultimately, it takes faith and obedience if we want to walk according to His plan!

3. Examples Of God's Will In Scripture

The will of God plays out in Scripture time and time again. For example, Daniel’s prayer shows an example of God's will to be revealed to His people. After Daniel had prayed, the Lord answered his prayer, granted him knowledge and understanding of visions and dreams, and made known what was written in the book. This is a clear example of how God reveals His will to those who seek Him.

In Jonah's mission, we see another example of God's will at work. Despite Jonah attempting to run away from the mission God called him to fulfill, he was brought back around by the grace and mercy of God to do what He had called him to do. This is another powerful example of how God works through us even when we attempt to disobey Him.

Moses' deliverance from Egypt also displays a fantastic example of the will of God in action. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage despite Pharaoh wanting them enslaved forever. This is a potent reminder that no matter what trials or tribulations we face, if it is part of the Lord's plan for our life, He will provide a way for us to overcome it.

Jesus Christ's mission on earth is perhaps one of the clearest examples in Scripture about God's will being fulfilled. Jesus' purpose for coming was to save us from our sins - something only He could do - and He accomplished this task with unparalleled strength and grace. Similarly, Paul’s conversion experience is an excellent reminder that no matter where we are on our journey with Jesus Christ, He can still use us if it is part of His divine plan for our lives.

Here are some specific passages in scripture of God’s will:

Abstain from sexual immorality.

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Repent.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Do good.

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” 1 Peter 2:15

Give thanks.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Seek the Kingdom of God.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Everlasting life:

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

Suffering:

“It is better to suffer for doing good if that should be God's will than for doing evil.” It is better for you to suffer for doing good. - 1 Peter 3:17

“Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator.” - 1 Peter 4:19,

God's will is seen throughout Scripture, giving us comfort in knowing that whatever struggles or joys come along in life are all part of His perfect design for each of us individually. Therefore, we can trust that He knows what’s best for us regardless of whether things don’t go according to our plans or expectations; if it’s part of His plan, then it must be done!

4. How To Discern God's Will

The best way to begin discerning God's will is to pray for spiritual gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Asking for His guidance allows us to become more sensitive in our relationship with Him. We should also seek wise counsel from trusted mentors or advisors with a good record of the hearing and following His will.

God also reveals His will through divine callings and promptings that He places on our hearts. These are often marked by a strong sense of conviction or urgency that we can't ignore. So when we sense these divine promptings, we should consider them and how they apply to our lives.

We should never be afraid to ask questions or seek answers to understand God’s plan for us better. He wants us to trust Him enough to follow where He leads, even if it means taking risks or going against what society says is right or wrong. Ultimately, we must rely on His promises and trust in Him as we seek the answers to carry out His will.

5. Praying For Direction

The Bible teaches us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). It's crucial that when praying for direction, we trust that God knows what He is doing in our lives and has a plan already set out for us. It's important to remember that although we may not understand where He is leading us, God will never lead us astray.

When praying for direction, start by acknowledging who God is - the almighty and sovereign ruler of all things. Then come before Him with humility and thankfulness for all the blessings He has bestowed you so far. Finally, ask Him to provide you with wisdom and understanding in whatever situation you have, seeking His guidance.

Finally, surrender yourself entirely into His hands and ask Him to guide your steps along the path He has laid for you. As you continue praying this prayer each day, rest assured, knowing that He hears your cries and promises to direct your paths according to His good plans (Jeremiah 29:11).

6. Listening To The Holy Spirit

It is essential to recognize that listening to the Holy Spirit is a matter of obedience and discernment. We can hear the voice of Jesus Christ through His Word and His Spirit, but we must be willing to obey what He has said and trust in Him. To learn how to better listen to the Holy Spirit, consider these five steps:

  1. Step out in faith. The first step in hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit is stepping out in faith. When we fully commit ourselves to following God's will, it gives us the confidence and courage to move forward in obedience.
  2. Pray for guidance. Having a strong prayer life is an essential part of any relationship with God, so we must talk and listen to Him often as we seek His will for our lives. Ask Him to lead you down the path He has chosen for you and give you a clear direction on what He wants you to do next.
  3. Read scripture daily. Reading scripture helps us stay focused on the Word of God, which can often be difficult when life gets busy or distracting. As we read, pray that God would open our eyes and ears to His instruction so that we can understand His will more clearly in our lives.
  4. Listen carefully for promptings from the holy spirit throughout your day–even if they seem small or insignificant at first glance–because they could be signposts pointing you toward God’s plan for your life!
  5. Be patient with yourself as you grow into hearing and understanding Him better; it takes time!

We are all called by God to listen attentively for His voice within us; however, this can be a challenge when other agents around us compete for our attention or speak louder than His still small voice inside us! When this happens, let us remember that ultimately it is up to each one of us whether or not we choose to follow Him despite whatever obstacles may come our way; trusting in Him gives us strength and courage as we strive forward obediently, knowing that He has a fantastic plan just waiting for us if only we take the time to listen!

7. Examining Habits & Desires

As we seek to know the will of God, it's essential to examine our habits and desires. We must be honest in assessing what motivates us, what thoughts occupy our minds, and what activities are filling our time. This process can be complex, requiring self-discipline and an accurate assessment of our position. But when we look closely at our habits and desires, we can begin to make changes that bring us closer to God's will.

We must assess if our actions and thoughts are aligned with God's commands or if they're leading us down a path of destruction. Are we pursuing activities that bring glory to God, or are we engaging in activities that only serve ourselves? Do our desires reflect those of the world or God? Are the things that occupy most of our time glorifying God or distracting us from Him?

When examining our habits and desires, it's essential to consider how past experiences have shaped them. Are there any patterns in your life that have become so routine you no longer recognize them as wrong? Of course, we all have blind spots, but identifying them is critical to understanding the full scope of who we are and why we do certain things.

Once we've taken a deep look into our lives, we must make changes where necessary. We can cultivate new habits and desires that lead us closer to His will through prayer, a meditation on God’s word, fasting, and other spiritual practices. With this foundation established, discovering His will takes shape through small daily moments.

8. Recognizing Consequences

God's will is an integral part of our daily lives. Therefore, we must strive to recognize the consequences of our choices to stay on the path of fulfilling His will. To do this, we must acknowledge the outcomes that result from a decision or action and evaluate their impact. When we can anticipate results and discern effects, we can better understand God's will for us.

We should remember that each choice has a consequence and ask ourselves if this choice will lead us closer to following God’s plan. Doing so allows us to see how our decisions affect our lives and those around us. But, even more importantly, it clarifies which choices align with God's will for us.

Life involves making difficult decisions every day. Therefore, we should rely on prayer and Scripture when we doubt God’s plan. Through prayer, we can receive confirmation that He is guiding us in the right direction—even when the situation seems uncertain or confusing. Additionally, God often uses Scripture to show us His plan for our lives; it helps draw attention to certain aspects of a decision that may have gone unnoticed before reading it.

It takes courage and wisdom to make wise decisions by recognizing consequences and understanding their implications in times like these. The Bible provides many examples of how people obeyed God’s will even when it was complex or counterintuitive; by applying these stories in our lives, we can gain insight into how best to follow His divine plan. We must trust Him with all things and remain confident that He always has a perfect outcome for us--even if it isn't always apparent at first glance.

9. Utilizing Spiritual Gifts

One way to utilize spiritual gifts and ensure we follow God's will is by seeking wise counsel from those who are experienced in living according to His will. Therefore, seeking advice from those with a strong relationship with God is essential, as they can provide insight into what He desires for us. Additionally, by seeking wise counsel, we can avoid making mistakes or taking wrong steps against His will.

Another way to understand God's will is through discernment of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways and speaks through feelings, thoughts, and intentions planted deep within us. We need to listen carefully and patiently to correctly identify when He is speaking and guiding us toward a particular divine calling. When this happens, we must obey and follow faithfully so we do not miss out on His blessings or plans for our lives.

When understanding God's will for our lives, utilizing spiritual gifts and seeking godly wisdom is essential. We can discern what God desires for us more efficiently and accurately by listening intently, obeying faithfully, and being open-minded toward wise counsel. By doing this consistently over time, we can begin living a life full of purpose according to His plan!

10. Testing Divine Callings

A divine calling is a sacred mission for us to carry out to serve the greater good. Testing callings can help us understand when God has called us so that we may know we are on the right path.

The first step in testing divine callings lies in prayerful meditation. When we set aside time and space to be still and pray, we open our hearts and minds to hear what God wants from us. We can ask Him, “What would you have me do?” and then listen in stillness for His answer. He may show us signs or speak to us through the Holy Spirit, guiding how best to fulfill His will.

Furthermore, Scripture provides valuable insight into how God works and communicates with His followers. Reading the Bible allows us to learn about God's will and how He speaks through callings. As we read each passage or story, we should ask ourselves if this could lead us closer to understanding His will for our lives. Suppose something resonates within our hearts or minds. In that case, we can pursue it through prayerful reflection and discussion with spiritual leaders or mentors walking with Jesus Christ longer than ourselves.

It is also important to remember that our sense of discernment plays a vital role in recognizing divine callings. Therefore, we must trust that if something feels right within our spirit, it is likely part of His plan for us - even if it does not fit into what others may expect of us, even if we cannot explain why it feels right inside of our souls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be challenging to understand the will of God for our lives. But when we take the time to seek His face in prayer and by reading His word, He will make His will known. We must also remember that God is a loving Father who wants us to be successful and happy. He will never lead us astray. So when I feel confused or uncertain about the path I should take, I remember Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." So no matter what life brings, we can always trust that God has good plans for us if we seek Him out and follow where He leads.

Finally, I encourage you not to give up when discerning God’s will for you and your life. As long as you remain humble before Him and earnestly seek His voice, He will ensure you know exactly what He wants for you!

Frequently asked questions

How do i make sure i am not just listening to my desires when seeking god’s will?

When it comes to seeking God's will, we must be careful not to confuse our desires with the voice of God. Instead, we must discern and seek guidance to ensure we follow God's will, not just our selfish wishes.

Using discernment when seeking God's will requires us to pay attention to the things around us and within us, such as our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual promptings. This helps us identify any fleshly desires presenting themselves as God’s will. We should also spend time communing with God, listening for His direction in prayer, and reading His Word. Asking for understanding is critical when determining the difference between what we want and what He wants for us.

It can be challenging at times to know if what you're hearing is really from God or just coming from your desires. However, by taking some practical steps, such as examining your motives and consulting wise counsel, you can ensure you do your best to follow His will rather than your own. We can also learn from stories in the Bible - like Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac - which show how even seemingly outrageous requests may lead us closer to fulfilling God’s plans for our christian lives.

The Bible tells us that if we humble ourselves before Him and commit our ways unto Him, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Therefore, when making decisions about life choices or difficult situations, we must seek wisdom before taking action so that whatever outcome arises reflects His perfect plan for us.

How can i be sure i am listening to the right people for advice?

The first step in discerning God's will is seeking wise counsel from trusted sources. Finding someone with knowledge and insight on the matter can be invaluable, whether it be a spiritual mentor or a godly friend. This person should be able to provide wise counsel and help guide decision-making processes that align with scripture.

It is also important to pray for confirmation when making decisions. When we ask for confirmation from God through prayer, we invite Him into the discernment process. Praying for confirmation helps us determine what truly aligns with His will instead of just our desires.

No matter how much counsel you seek or confirmation you pray for, it all comes down to trusting in God’s timing and being obedient to His Word. Remember that He sees the bigger picture even when it isn't clear to us, so have faith that He will lead you on the path of righteousness no matter what happens.

Does god always answer my prayers for direction?

When praying for direction, we must first understand that God may not answer our prayer as we expect or want Him to. Instead, He often leads us in ways that require us to trust Him and have faith in His plans. We must also remember that He has a purpose for our lives—and when we are willing to accept His leading, even if it differs from our desires, we can follow His will and experience the blessings that come with it.

The Bible tells us that God wants us to seek Him out and ask for His direction. We can do this through prayer, reading Scripture, attending church services, or studying other spiritual materials. Asking others who are well-versed in their faith for advice is also beneficial. It is important to remember, however, that only God knows what is best for us—so it is wise to take all advice with a grain of salt and ultimately make decisions based on what we believe is right according to the teachings of Scripture.

God speaks to each of us differently, but some common signs indicate when He is leading us down a particular path. These include feelings of peace and assurance, a sense of clarity on what needs to be done, and wisdom and discernment when making decisions related to our lives. When these signs appear, it often indicates that God has answered our prayer and is guiding us toward His will.

It can be difficult at times to determine God's plan for our lives, but by seeking Him through prayer and listening carefully for His voice, we can gain insight into where He wants us to go next. Then, with faith and patience, we can confidently move forward, knowing that whatever He has planned brings greater joy than anything else.

How do i handle it when i feel like i don’t understand god’s will for my life?

We all have moments when we don't understand God's will for our lives. We can trust in God and search the Scriptures to understand His plans for us better. But how do we navigate this uncertainty?

By prayerful meditation, we can ask God to reveal His will and then listen for His answer. Here are some ways to do this:

  • Praying: Pray that God will make His will known to you, trusting that He will answer in His perfect timing.
  • Searching Scripture: Read the Bible with an open heart and ask God to show you what He wants from you.
  • Talking with Wise Counselors: Talk to trusted Christian advisors who can help guide your thinking as you explore ways to know God’s will for your life.

It isn't easy to discern the Lord's plan for us, but it is possible. When we go to Him with open hearts, eager minds, and humble spirits, He will reveal what He has in store for us. So, if you're feeling lost and uncertain, take a moment and pour out your heart before the Lord in prayer. Then be still and wait on Him to speak; He will never leave nor forsake you!

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