I would love to say that I have discovered a bulletproof way of knowing God’s will. There have been occasions where I sensed God’s will very clearly. There have been many times where His will seemed very unclear. And there have been times when after having gone through the following 7 principles that I was still not 100 percent certain. One thing I can say without reservation is that we are on a journey of faith. I can also say with great conviction that God is absolutely in control, that He knows what He is doing, and that I am not a victim of circumstance, chance, or luck. I sincerely believe that God is sovereign and that He has a good and wonderful plan for my life and for you, too. And I believe with all my heart that God wants very much to talk with us and that He does speak to us in ways we don’t always understand or appreciate. Sometimes this comes from the most unexpected people, places, and packages. And if I am listening, really listening, I can hear His voice.

I want to share a few principles from God’s Word that can help you on your journey of discovering God’s will for your life. But first, I think it is important to realize that the will of God is not so much a list to be checked off, as it is an attitude of the heart. We must be willing to do His will if we want to discover His will.

Do you have a really big decision looming on your horizon? Let’s take a look at a story from the Bible and see how a really big problem was resolved. Remember when Moses and company were in the desert for 40 years? Let’s take a look at some practical issues. For instance, how do you feed two or three million people? According to the Quartermaster general of the US Army, Moses would have needed 1,500 tons of food each day. Do you realize that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains each a mile long would be required? And, because they were in the desert, they would have needed firewood to cook the food. This would have required 4,000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains each a mile long just for one day. And this went on for 40-years. And, yes, they would require water. If they had just enough water to drink and wash a few dishes each day, it would take eleven million gallons each day; it would require a freight train with tank cars 1,800 miles long to just bring the water.

And they had to cross the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So, there had to be a space in the Red Sea three miles wide so they could walk 5,000 abreast to get over in one night.

Plus, each time they camped at the end of a day, a camp ground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles. Do you think Moses had all this figured out before he left Egypt? Probably not. Moses believed God and He took care of all these things for him.

As a principle, the Bible maintains having at least two or three witnesses in agreement before making major decisions (see Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16). All seven of these principles work hand-in-hand and no one principle should ever be thought of as being more important than another. As a rule, the greater the decision, the more of these principles you want lined up before you make your decision.

As you seek God's will on a major, life-changing decision, write down what the Lord may be saying to you as you consider the following principles. Arrange your information under: "Pros" (positive factors and advantages), "Cons" (negative factors and disadvantages), and "Alternatives."

It’s also important to remember that whenever you are involved in an emotionally charged issue such as dating, marriage, illness, changing careers, changing churches, etc., put more emphasis on the objective principles. Don't rely on just "peace" or verses that "jump out at you."

1. Lordship:
Is Jesus truly Lord of my life? Am I willing to do God's will, whatever it may be? This is the indispensable foundation for finding His will (Romans 12:1-2; Luke 9:23). If you are living a surrendered life to the Lordship of Christ, proceed to the next step. If not, STOP and wait on God.

2. Peace:
Do I have continued inner peace as I consider this decision in prayer? Or am I experiencing restlessness, impatience or inner conflict? (Isaiah 32:17; Colossians 3:15; 1 John 3:21-22). If this decision involves someone other than you such as your spouse, family, ministry, or church, are they at peace, too? If everyone is at peace, proceed to the next step. If not, STOP.

3. Discernment:
What gifts and abilities has God given me, and how does He want me to use these to accomplish His purposes in the world? (Acts 20:24; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12). If you have thought through the situation, timing and provision of God, proceed to the next step. If not, STOP and wait on God.

4. God’s Word and the Holy Spirit:
What principles, commands, prohibitions apply? Has He given me any motivating verses or promises on the decision I am facing? (John 8:31-32; Psalm 119; 130). Is He motivating me toward or away from a particular course of action? (John 16:13; Galatians 5:16-26). If you are not in violation of God’s Word and are following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, proceed to the next step. If not, STOP and wait on God.

5. Reflection:
Has God arranged events to give me positive guidance? Or is He slowing me down? (Philippians 1:12-14; Romans 8:28). If you have sincerely and thoroughly considered all possibilities, proceed to the next step. If not, STOP and wait on God.

6. Prayer:
Have I prayed adequately about this? As I pray in a certain direction, do I have continued freedom in prayer or lack of it? (Philippians 4:6; James 1:5). If you have sincerely prayed about this decision, proceed to the next step. If not, STOP and wait on God.

7. Confirmation:
Have I received counsel from other more spiritually mature people who know me and are familiar with the factors in my decision? Am I disregarding or avoiding counsel that I should consider? (Proverbs 15:22; 12:15). If you have followed these principles and have also received godly counsel from other more spiritually mature saints, proceed in faith. If not, STOP and wait on God.

Understand that God truly knows what is best for you, wants only the best for you, and if you are willing to trust Him – really trust Him - you can experience abundant life as He promised. It’s all about reaching your fullest potential, destiny and purpose! His plans and purpose for you are good. Today you can begin to realize God’s best plan as you surrender your life to Him – God is faithful!

Grow in grace and truth,

Doug Morrell
CORE Discipleship Group Ministries 

CORE Notes From Doug