“How do I know what God’s will is?”
A VERY common question both inside and out of the counseling office.
We can look at our circumstances, but what if God is using new or different circumstances?
We can look at our desires, but what if God’s desires are different?
We can look at the relationships around us, but what if God is wanting to teach me something new about community?
HOW CAN WE KNOW??
I don’t know that there is ever a 100% positive understanding and knowing.
If there were, faith would not be needed.
First, I don’t know that there is ever a 100% positive understanding and knowing. If there were, faith would not be needed. (I’m defining Faith here as simply trusting that God has this and will work it to our good and His glory.)
We look throughout scripture and we see people first needing FAITH to follow the Lord.
Specifically Abraham comes to mind. He and Sarah packed up their whole lives, which was almost like packing up a rural town, and headed off not knowing the destination, but trusting God would tell them where to stop. (Genesis 12)
Would they have enough food and water for everyone and the animals? Would they be able to house everyone during the journey? Would they be traveling for days or years? They didn’t know! That took faith!
While they may have specifically heard the voice of God, today we can walk in the same faith assured that Isaiah 31:21 is true:
“‘and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” ‘”
Even with this assurance, we can struggle with whether we are hearing our own voice or the Lord’s at times. When that is the case, here are some steps that are helpful-
What options align with Scripture
It is important to note that the Lord will never ask you to do something that goes against His Word
Ask the Lord to reveal Himself through His Word
It helps to have a verse to point to when you are questioning the decision you made further down the road- remembering that you sought the Lord.
*If you are unsure what Scripture says about your options, ask a seasoned Believer, mentor, or pastor to help you seek the Lord in His Word.
What options align with your prayer life
What have you been praying for?
Make a list of all of the elements you have been praying for surrounding this decision. Is there an option that checks most, if not all, of the boxes?
Acknowledge the emotions that you are feeling
This helps with understanding how we might be swayed, or even lead, in our decisions by our emotions.
*If you are unable to distinguish your emotions from your decisions, seek wise counsel. It helps tremendously to have someone consider all of the options who is outside of our own heads and emotional experiences.
These steps should at least narrow down your options to some potential faith-filled responses. However, if you are still unsure, ask the Lord what walking in faith needs to look like for you during this time:
Identify the season you are in
What has God been doing in your life?
Is He teaching you to wait on Him?
Is He teaching you how to lean on your community?
Is He teaching you how to act on faith?
Is He teaching you to use what you have already learned?
Is He doing something new that you have never navigated before?
*If you have no idea what He has been doing (we’ve all been there), again, seek wise counsel. With this particular struggle, I recommend seeking the counsel of someone older in the faith, as their seasoned experience in Christ may shed light on what He is doing in your faith journey.
Lastly, I’d like to share my favorite prayer when asking the Lord for His guidance and will-
Drench your decision-making in prayer.
Make your requests open-handed.
Seek the Lord both individually and in community.
Ask for wisdom and He will reveal your steps in time.
“‘Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. ‘”
Of course, I am available to walk through life’s tough decisions with you! If you are feeling your decisions are too heavy to carry, please contact me to schedule a counseling session.