Knowing God’s Will 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 

Introduction 

One of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received over the years is: “How do I know God’s will for my life?” As a child, I often wondered, “Is what I’m doing going to make my dad and mom happy?” That thought lingered, whether motivated by a desire to do right or by fear of discipline. I believe this is true for every child—and it’s also true on the spiritual side of life. 

David’s statement is brilliant. He gives us the source of knowledge of God’s will: the Word of God. There’s no other way to know what God desires of His children than through His revealed will. The fact that God gave us His Word makes it clear that He wants us to know His will. 

David also describes the practical method God uses to reveal His will. The Word lights the path for believers, showing present details and future aspects of life. Like a lamp at night, it shines only as far as necessary to avoid pitfalls and stay on the path. 

There’s another aspect to this marvelous truth. Jesus told the disciples He would send the Comforter to guide them into all truth. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began His New Testament ministry of inhabiting believers, making it possible for Christians to not only have the lamp but also the One who knows the path and where to shine the light. 

When we consider that believers possess both the source of light and the author of the plan, it’s clear that God has provided a way for us to know and fulfill His plan for our lives. He has done His part; now, the believer has the responsibility to discover God’s will and live it. When we assume this responsibility, the answer to what God has planned for us becomes clear. The steps are simple and few, making it possible for every Christian to follow them. 

Step 1: Answer Two Questions 

Are You Saved? 

No one who is truly born again struggles to answer this question. In fact, being able to answer it is a thrilling opportunity to thank and praise the Author of salvation. The foundation of a positive answer comes from several biblical facts: 

  • You must recognize you are a sinner by nature and have broken God’s perfect and holy law (Romans 3:23; 6:23; James 2:10). 
  • You must believe that Jesus Christ is God who became a man by miraculous virgin birth and is 100% God and 100% man (John 1:1-3,14; 3:16; 1 John 5:1). 
  • You must believe that Jesus Christ lived a perfect and sinless life, died a substitutionary death for every sinner, and rose from the dead proving the penalty of sin is paid(Romans 5:8). 
  • You must receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior: it’s not enough to believe He died for all; you must take Him as your own personal Savior (Acts 16:31). 

A positive answer to this question is the most important truth in anyone’s life. Being truly saved guarantees an eternal relationship with God, beginning at the moment of new birth, and provides the opportunity for a wonderful and blessed life on earth. Any doubt can and must be removed by allowing the light of the Word of God to illuminate the soul. The Lord desires an honest conversation on this subject and will give a clearly affirmative answer to the true believer. 

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” — Romans 8:16 

Are You Submitted? 

Complete submission follows salvation. Any attempt at submission before receiving the new nature in Christ is fruitless. Once saved, full submission to the Lord’s will is the only path to a victorious and joyful life. Consider these aspects: 

Why Should You Submit? 

  • It is reasonable (Romans 12:1). 
  • Because of who God is (Isaiah 6:1-4). 
  • Because Christ has all authoritative power (Matthew 28:18). 
  • Because Christ has redeemed you (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18,19). 
  • Because it is the only path of God’s blessing (James 4:6,7; 1 Peter 5:6). 
  • Because that is why God saved you (Ephesians 2:10). 

 

What Should You Submit? 

  • Your body (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19). 
  • Your life (Mark 8:35,36). 

 

How Should You Submit? 

  • Present yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Don’t worry about dying for Christ until you’re ready to live for Him alone. 
  • Don’t follow the world (Romans 12:2). 
  • Purpose in your heart (Daniel 1:8). 
  • Put off the old man (Ephesians 4:22). Realize it’s your responsibility to stop doing what you used to do. 
  • Be transformed by renewing your mind and spirit (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). This is the work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), accomplished by applying the Word of God (John 17:17). 
  • Put on the new man (Ephesians 4:24). Realize it’s your responsibility to start doing what is righteous and holy. 

 

What Does Submission Produce? 

  • You will experience God’s wonderful will for your life (Romans 12:2). 
  • It is good (Romans 8:28). 
  • It is acceptable (Psalm 19:14). 
  • It is perfect (Romans 8:29). 
  • You will be privileged to serve the almighty God (Romans 6:17). 
  • You can start right now (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14). 
  • Don’t worry about 10 years from now (Psalm 119:105). 
  • Your future service depends on your present service (Luke 5:1-11). The miraculous draught came after the disciples’ simple service was completed. 

 

Step 2: God’s Will Has Two Parts 

General Will 

Most believers recognize the general will of God, even if not completely submitted to it. Many are content to fulfill the general will—faithful to their local church, participating in special projects, and striving to live within the parameters of the Christian life as taught in the Bible. This is a comfortable place. 

Specific Will 

Things become less comfortable when the subject moves to God’s specific will. A Christian cannot experience God’s perfect will until they know and do God’s specific will for their life. Paul declares that for every Christian, the Lord has a preordained work (Ephesians 2:10). 

How does the individual Christian find out what God’s preordained work is? The answer takes us back to David’s declaration and Jesus’ promise: use the Word of God to illuminate the way and listen to the instruction and direction of the Holy Spirit through the Word. 

Principles for Knowing God’s Specific Will 

  1. There are no options, no “second bests.” “This is the way, walk ye in it.” — Isaiah 30:21
  2. The Lord will show you what you need to know to do His work right now. The Christian life is one of faith: “The just shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:17 

 

God has great blessings in store for those who are faithful: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” — Matthew 25:21 

However, these blessings become reality only for those who are about the Master’s business. If the believer does not find and begin to do God’s perfect specific will for right now, they will never reach those things the Lord has waiting for them. 

Conclusion 

The Lord has given us everything we need to participate in the most important work in the universe: the reconciliation of lost souls to God. He first made it possible for us to be reconciled, has appointed the place for each of us to be involved in this work. He doesn’t just tell us to do something to further His work—He tells us exactly what He wants us to do by His “Lamp” and His “Guide.” Let us find out what that work is and let us fulfill it.