How Do You Find God's Will?

“I'll never know, and neither will you, of the life you don't choose. We'll only know that whatever that sister life was, it was important and beautiful and not ours. It was the ghost ship that didn't carry us. There's nothing to do but salute it from the shore.”     ― Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar

Making the right choices in life – determines how your life goes. Life is a series of choices. If you make dumb decisions you fail in life. The choices we make – make us. Every choice we make has a consequence. And because of that – making the right choices can be very stressful. Yet, we have more choices now then ever before.

Making choices can be very stressful. Should I hold on, or should I let go? Should I get in, or should I get out? Should I stay, or should I move? When you can’t make up your mind it’s like being bounced around inside a washing machine. For example, listen to what James says about indecision:

...he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind….he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:6, 8).

The Greek word for unstable literally means “stagger like a drunk.” When you can’t make up your mind – you’re going to stagger through life. The antidote for indecision is to let God guide you. The Good Shepherd not only feeds – He leads. He not only provides – He guides. He not only protects – He directs. God is the one who will keep you on track in life. God is the one who will show you which way to go.

However, the problem is that most of us don’t understand how God reveals His will. Some people take a emotional approach to finding God’s will. They want to be swept off their feet by some emotion. They want a quiver in their liver. They want some type of goose bump experience so they can say, “I know what God’s will is for my life!”

Others take a logical approach to finding God’s will. They want some type of formula to figure things out. Nine steps to being nifty. Apply the recipe and life will turn out right. Some what a magical approach to God’s will. God will give them some fantastic sign. He’ll write something in the sky – send me an e-mail. 

All of these approaches lead to frustration, because they cause us to miss God’s will. God’s will is not a feeling, or a formula, or something to get frustrated about. So how do you find God’s will? You build a relationship with God. How do you build a relationship with God? Fortunately, God never leaves us clueless! The Bible says to do four things:

1. Approach God humbly. We have all made decisions that at the time seems right but come to find out – it wasn't such a good decision after all. Some paths are dead ends. So the first thing we need to do is to admit that we need help. To be humble is to admit that you need a guide.

2. Ask God in faith. Have you ever asked God for something and didn't expect to get it? Sure you have. That’s why you didn't get it. God works in our life according to faith. He wants you to believe that He will answer – because He will. Many times we ask God to guide us and then walk away not waiting for guidance. We just go our own direction anyway.You have to ask in faith and wait on God to give you direction. 

3. Listen for God’s response. The truth of the matter is that God is always speaking – the question is; are you listening – are you tuned in? Is the volume turned up?

4. Trust God.You are not God – you have to trust Him. God is faithful, and He will always lead you where He will be glorified.

My problems may seem big – but you know what? I know someone bigger. And He always does what He says He will do. He is my Shepherd. He is the Lord.

Scripture: Psalms 23:1-3; Proverbs 15:22; Isaiah 53:6; Proverbs 14:12; Psalms 25:9; Luke 11:9;  Job 33:14

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to embrace this day, knowing that each day holds hope with You. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Elizabeth