Life is already overwhelming enough at times, but even more so when we don’t know what’s ahead. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is God’s will for my life? What does he want me to do next?” – you’re not alone.
The good news is God wants you to know his will even more than you want to discover it. And even though it might not always come to us in a dramatic way, God does give us steps to help align with his plans. Here’s how:
What is God’s will? Here’s how to know.
The key to discovering God’s will and knowing what is God’s will for your life doesn’t require a complex formula or a fancy ritual. We can actually discover it through simple steps that are easy to weave into our daily lives.
1. Align your heart with God’s Word
The Bible isn’t just a history book or a list of “do this, don’t do that” rules. It’s a guide to God’s heart and character. When we read the Bible, we learn what matters to God – and it helps us figure out what steps to take next. Like Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to read the Bible and reflect on what it says. Look for the verses that stand out to you and ask yourself, “How does this apply to my life today?” The more you seek to align your thoughts and actions with the Bible, the clearer God’s will becomes.
If you’re not sure where to start reading the Bible, try one of our Bible Reading Plans!
2. Pray for clarity
Prayer isn’t as complicated as you might think. It’s simply talking to God about what’s on your heart. It’s also being open to what he says back. Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the helpful reminder to “trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Do you know what that means? It means if you ask God to reveal his will for your life, he’ll tell you! Even if the answer doesn’t come right away, you can trust that God is working in ways you can’t always see. God's timing is always perfect, and he’ll give you the clarity you’re looking for.
3. Seek out wisdom from others
Figuring things out on your own feels impossible sometimes. That’s why having people in your life that you can trust makes all the difference. In fact, God often uses other people to confirm his direction for your life!
If you’re asking the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” Don’t try to find the answer on your own. Follow the advice in Proverbs 15:22: “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” That means reaching out to someone you trust and asking for their perspective.
4. Take a leap of faith
Ultimately, you don’t need to have all the answers in order to take a step forward. Having faith in God’s will for your life means trusting him even when you can’t see the full picture. Like Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” That means that even if we don’t fully know God’s will, we can still take action in faith without having all the information.
What’s one small step you can take this week to move in faith in the direction God’s leading you? Maybe it’s having a conversation you’ve been putting off, trying something new, or letting go of a fear that’s been holding you back. Trust that God will lead you as you go.
What if I make the wrong decision?
If you’re seeking God’s will, it’s natural to worry about making a mistake that will take us off-course. But look at it this way: God’s will isn’t a tightrope – it's more like following a GPS. Even if we make a wrong turn, God is faithful to redirect us when we need it. Romans 8:28 encourages us with the reminder that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him.”
It’s also worth remembering that God’s ultimate will – his plans for your salvation and purpose – don't change. But the specific ways he calls you to act might shift depending on the season you’re in. Stay close to God and he’ll guide you every step of the way!
-----
Ready to dive deeper into what it means to find your purpose? Discover God’s will and purpose for your season of life.
-----