\u201cHow can I understand God\u2019s will?\u201d is a question every believer asks at turning points in life.<\/b> Whom should I choose as a wife? Which job should I accept? Should I move? Should I treat my child this way or that way? It seems it would be easier if God sent text messages with the answers. But He works differently. The Bible gives several specific principles for recognizing God\u2019s direction\u2014and honestly admits that it is not always obvious the first time.<\/p>\nGod does not hide His will<\/h2>\n
The first important thing: God wants us to know His will. He has not hidden it<\/b>:<\/p>\n \u201cTherefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.\u201d Ephesians 5:17<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n That means understanding God\u2019s will is not \u201csecret knowledge\u201d for a spiritual elite. It is a normal expectation for every believer. The Bible gives methods<\/i>, not just phrases.<\/p>\n The first thing that is important to distinguish: the Bible speaks about two aspects of God\u2019s will.<\/p>\n This is what God wants for every person<\/b>, regardless of circumstances. The Bible states this directly:<\/p>\n That is, 80% of God\u2019s will has already been stated in the Bible. Most people ask about God\u2019s will in specific situations, but live contrary to God\u2019s known will<\/b> in others. The order is this: first do what you know, and then ask about what is unclear.<\/p>\n This is \u201cwhich husband,\u201d \u201cwhich job,\u201d \u201cwhere to move,\u201d \u201cwhen to begin studies.\u201d Here God works differently with different people. And this is exactly where methods of discernment are needed.<\/p>\n The first filter: God\u2019s will never contradicts the Bible<\/b>. If something looks like a \u201csign\u201d but violates a commandment, it is not from God.<\/p>\n For example: \u201cI feel that God wants me to leave my unbelieving husband\u201d \u2014 the Bible plainly says no (1 Cor 7:13). Not \u201csigns,\u201d not \u201cfriends\u2019 testimony,\u201d nothing. The Word rules it out immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cIf any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.\u201d James 1:5<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Prayer is not \u201creporting to God,\u201d but asking for wisdom<\/b>. Specifically. Not \u201cbless this decision,\u201d but \u201cshow me whether this is from You or from my own desire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.\u201d Col 3:15<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Greek word \u201crule\u201d (brabeu\u014d<\/i>) means \u201cto be a referee.\u201d That is, the peace of Christ should \u201cjudge\u201d our decisions. If you pray about a choice and there is deep peace in your heart, that is a signal. If you pray and unrest grows, that too is a signal, but the opposite one.<\/p>\n Important:<\/b> this does not mean \u201cpeace = do it,\u201d \u201cunease = don\u2019t do it.\u201d Sometimes God calls us to difficult things (Jonah, Moses), and then fear is normal. The distinction is subtle: peace is deeper than circumstances<\/i>, and remains even when the circumstances are frightening.<\/p>\nTwo categories of God\u2019s will<\/h2>\n
1. God\u2019s general will \u2014 already revealed<\/h3>\n
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2. God\u2019s specific will \u2014 regarding personal decisions<\/h3>\n
Seven principles for discerning God\u2019s specific will<\/h2>\n
1. The Word of God<\/h3>\n
2. Prayer<\/h3>\n
3. Inner peace (or its absence)<\/h3>\n
4. Counsel from spiritually mature people<\/h3>\n