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HOW CAN I KNOW GOD'S WILL
James 1:15-18

How can I know God's will? This question ranges from knowing who you are and what your purpose is, to knowing how to make specific decisions on occupation or political matters. It's an important question. Jesus emphasized it over and over.

He said,“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34).

He said,“I can do nothing on my own initiative . . .” (John 5:30).

He Said,“I have come . . . not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me” (John 6:38).

So, how can we know God's will? Well unfortunately, we can't always know. Paul didn't always know. On one occasion he assured his friends: “I will return to you again if God wills” (Acts 18:21).

Even Jesus didn't always know, or else he wouldn't have said, “if” and “nevertheless.” The Scriptures say, “He . . . fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt . . .’ ” (Matt. 26:39).

Even so, there are some guidelines we can use in determining God's will.

I. SCRIPTURE

First, there is God's message to us in the Scriptures. We must realize, however, that just memorizing a verse is not enough. Satan spouted scripture to Jesus saying, “It is written, `He will give his Angels charge concerning you; And on their hands they will bear you up, Lest you strike your foot against a stone'” (Matt. 4:6).

Jesus replied that superficial knowledge is not enough. Instead, your understanding must be profound! “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures . . .” (Matt. 22:29).

Paul also said that able ministers aren't literalists. “(God) . . . made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (II Cor. 3:6).

He told Timothy that wise students of Scripture study for a purpose and use their knowledge to achieve practical aims. “Thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15).

So, you see, using the Scriptures to determine God's will isn't easy. Instead, we must understand the depth and context. We must emphasize the spirit and not the letter.

Furthermore, because of cultural differences and enormous changes in our society, many, many areas of ethical concern are not even mentioned in the Scriptures. If we really know Jesus, however, we'll begin to realize how he would react in any given situation. His overall attitude of love can give direction to our lives. That's why we must filter all admonitions through Jesus--God's most perfect revelation.

II. REASON

The next step in determining God's will is using our reason. Isaiah said, “Come now, and let us reason together . . .” (Isa. 1:18).

Reason includes life's principles and nature's methods. In other words, use the mind God gave you. Common sense won't conflict with sound doctrine.

Paul used both Scripture and logic in conjunction with each other. The Scripture says, “According to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures” (Acts 17:2).

Later it says, “And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4).

In order to use reason, we must get all the information we can. We must consider all current observations and past experiences. If something is right, you won't have to “fix it.” If something is true you won't have to stretch your credibility. You won't have to try to justify certain elements and deny other elements. You won't have to continually resort to the lame excuse, “Well, we just weren't meant to know that.”

God's will isn't complex and devious. Instead, it's often found in the simple and obvious. Your natural talents will give clues as to your calling in life. God doesn't waste His gifts. If you have an ability, then that's evidence that it is to be used!

III. COUNSEL

The next step in determining God's will is to avail yourself of reliable counsel. Solomon said, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning” (Prov. 1:5).

They say we're given two ears and one mouth so we would listen twice as much as we speak. Solomon emphasized the importance of taking good advice and heeding wise instruction. “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days” (Prov. 19:20).

We don't have to do everything we're told, but we can listen. God can speak to us through loving parents, concerned friends and trained therapists. Jethro advised Moses. Priscilla advised Apollo. Ananias advised Paul. All of us can learn from each other.

IV. CIRCUMSTANCES

Another very important step in determining God's will is the consideration of circumstances. Jesus said experience is valid!

When “John . . . sent word by his disciples and said to him, `Are you the coming one, or shall we look for someone else?'. . . Jesus answered and said to them, `Go and report to John the things which you hear and see'” (Matt. 11:3-4).

Carefully note events, situations and possibilities. Ask, Which needs are evident? Take strange “coincidences” seriously. If one path or area of service constantly confronts you, maybe that's your calling!

Even so, we must work within our possibilities. Paul couldn't go into Asia, so he went to Macedonia. Sometimes these unexpected ``serendipities'' prove to be the most fruitful projects of our lives. Saying, “God works in mysterious ways” means that surprises and twists of fate can provide us with great opportunities.

V. INTUITION

The last step in determining God's will may be called intuition. Solomon said, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6).

The term intuition has gotten a bad press. We ridicule “women's intuition,” and undocumented hunches; but there is very good evidence that those unexpected urges are very valid. Our “gut feeling” expresses the wisdom of our sub-conscience and contains a tremendous storehouse of information. Body language and other subliminal clues influence these “feelings.” It's usually a mistake to ignore our heart or refuse to follow our constructive impulses. This intangible motivation can be recognized as our own moral conscience or the direction of the Holy Spirit. We can trust our internal guide if we haven't destroyed our conscience by deliberately deception.

Praying for enlightenment. Quietly meditating and listening to the “still small voice” will ensure our integrity in the matter at hand.

In the final analysis, following intuition or the Holy Spirit within is probably the most reliable way to know God's will. John said, “We shall know by this that we are of the truth . . . Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (I John 3:19,21).

Paul says this criteria is of the heart: “Doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6).

So, how can we know God's will? Let's summarize these five steps:

First, study the Scriptures. Know the facts and, more important, the meaning and context of God's word. Pay special attention to Jesus's attitudes and actions. Ask, “What would he do in this situation?”

Second, use reason. Think it through. What seems to be the best course of action over the long term. What seems logical and practical? Our minds were created by God. He intended for us to use them.

Third, seek counsel from those you trust. Listening to the wisdom and experience of others can help us avoid many unnecessary mistakes.

Fourth, consider the circumstances. Obvious obstacles or opportunities can be used by God to shape our action. What doors are open? What doors are shut? What is available?

If you see a need and have the ability to fill it. Then you can safely assume that it's God's will for you to do so! When Jesus met a sufferer, he didn't go meditate--he responded! James says if you meet a hungry person, don't advise him to go home and “pray about” it--give him food! “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, `Go in peace, be warmed and filled'; and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body; what use is that?” (Jas. 2:15-16).

Fifth, Heed your intuition--your “gut feelings.” This is a combination of your conscience and the Holy Spirit's guidance. These two channels work together to warn and guide us. It's the court of final appeal. Don't violate your inner spirit.

Of course none of these will work unless you mean business. You must sincerely want to know God's will. Commitment is essential. A young concert violinist was asked the secret of her success. “Deliberate neglect,” she replied. Then she explained, “When I was in school, there were many things that demanded my time. When I went to my room after breakfast, I made my bed, straightened my desk, dusted the furniture, and did whatever else came to my attention. Then, after all the other tasks were done, I turned to my violin practice.

When I found I wasn't progressing, I reversed things! Until my practice period was completed, I deliberately neglected everything else. That . . . determined neglect, accounts for my success.”

That's what Jesus meant when he said: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God . . .” (Matt. 6:33).

God promises we can know God's will if we seek it with all our heart. “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).

If we study the Scriptures, think logically, listen to wise counsel, use available opportunities and follow the Holy Spirit within; God's will can become the law of our lives!
(WC1921)

Miles E Wesner