How to Really Discern God’s Will for Your Life
How do I really know what God’s will for my life is? That is a question we often ask in our lifetime. We ask it about our relationships, about our careers, and about where to live. How can I know with certainty that the choices I make are the ones God desires for me? It must begin with prayer. We are on day 29 of this prayer challenge. The only way to know God’s will for your life is to spend time alone with God. There in the quiet hours with him, he will guide you through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Remember what Christ said in Luke 11:” 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Look very closely here. He did not say that whatever you ask, you will be given. He did say that “God will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.”
[bctt tweet=”The Holy Spirit will guide us, comfort us, and provide us with the wisdom of discernment we need for every situation.”]
How can I be certain it is the Holy Spirit’s voice?
There are seven major steps we need to follow so as to have assurance that we are rightly discerning God’s will for our life.
1. Prayer is the key to life. We must set aside time to talk with God. How can I hear His voice in the midst of a chaotic world? This is of ultimate importance. There are times when we need to fast as we pray. That way we are setting aside all other distractions; even food, so that we may focus upon God. It is a means of laying aside our human desires to desire God more.
2. Test it against the scripture. God is not going to tell you to do anything that goes against scripture. “10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119). You cannot know God’s will for your life if you don’t take the time to read His letters to you. In His word, God has revealed His heart to you.
3. Fix your focus upon Christ.” 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12. He is our guide, our hope, and our redemption. We cannot stray from the path He has for us if we focus on Him.
4. Remember who you are in Christ. In Christ, I am God’s chosen, blessed, beloved, child who has been redeemed. Remembering that reminds me also that I, from love, will seek to honor my Father.
5. Praise and Worship God for who He is. “4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4).
6. Trust that God will finish the work He began in me. He is Sovereign and all that He plans He will accomplish. “6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1)
7. Remember God’s plan for me is good. “11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 29).
[bctt tweet=”You can move with boldness and confidence once you feel at peace. Until that peace comes, stand”] still, wait and keep praying. Know this, God is always there to catch you when you fall. “23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalm 37).
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Listen and meditate upon this song. Jesus, Thank You as you sit and wait for your answer.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.