As humans, we all want to know God’s will for our lives. We pray and ask Him for guidance constantly, but sometimes it can be difficult to discern what His will is. Fortunately, our faith gives us the tools we need to understand God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Here are some ways to discern God’s will through faith:
1. Seek God’s Word
The first step in discerning God’s will is to seek His word in the Bible. It is the primary way God speaks to us, and we need to study it diligently. The Bible is not just a book of history or literature; it contains God’s living and active word that can penetrate our hearts and minds and bring us wisdom and guidance. When we read the Bible, it helps us to align our thoughts and actions with God’s will. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
2. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance
God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth and wisdom. The Holy Spirit is our guide and counsellor, and we can ask Him to reveal God’s will to us. We need to rely on the Spirit’s leading and not our own understanding. As we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in our decisions, we will be more sensitive to His leading, and we will be able to discern God’s will more accurately.
3. Listen to wise counsel
God speaks to us through other believers. We need to seek out wise and godly counsel from those who have walked with the Lord for many years. These individuals can provide us with insights and perspectives that we may not have considered. The Bible also encourages us to seek out counsel in Proverbs 15:22, which reads, “Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers, they succeed.”
4. Be patient and wait on God
Sometimes, God’s will is not immediately clear to us. We must be patient and wait on God’s timing. We need to trust that His timing is perfect and that He will reveal His will to us when the time is right. Psalm 27:14 reads, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart a wait for the Lord.”
5. Obey God’s leading
Finally, once we discern God’s will, we must obey His leading. Obedience is critical to living a fulfilling life in God’s will. We must take the necessary steps to follow His leading, even when it is difficult and uncomfortable. In doing so, we will experience God’s blessings and fulfillment.
In conclusion, discerning God’s will is possible through faith. A strong foundation in God’s word, seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit, listening to wise counsel, waiting on God, and obeying His leading are key to discerning God’s will. When we live in alignment with God’s will, we live fulfilled and purposeful lives that bring glory to Him.
