DISCOVERING GOD'S WILL

DISCOVERING GOD'S WILL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:15-17; Romans 12:1-2

Key Verse: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” — Ephesians 5:17 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 32:8; Jeremiah 29:11; Colossians 1:9; James 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

Description: Discovering God's will involves knowing His revealed truth, seeking His guidance, developing spiritual discernment, and faithfully obeying His direction.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important questions a believer can ask is, “Lord, what is Your will for my life?” This question affects our choices concerning family, career, ministry, relationships, finances, and service to God. Many people desire to make the right decisions but struggle with uncertainty about the future. Others make decisions based solely on feelings, pressure, ambition, or outward appearances without considering whether their choices honour God. The Christian life, however, is meant to be lived under the direction and authority of the Lord.

In Ephesians 5:17, the Apostle Paul commands believers not to be unwise but to understand the will of the Lord. This instruction follows his teaching about walking carefully, living wisely, and redeeming the time because the days are evil. Paul understood that believers cannot afford to live carelessly. We need spiritual understanding to recognise what pleases God, reject what contradicts His Word, and use our opportunities according to His purpose. Discovering God's will is not merely about receiving information concerning the future; it is about learning to live in obedience to Him today.

God has not left His children without guidance. He has given us the Scriptures, access to Him through prayer, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom that can come through godly counsel. We must approach Him with humble hearts, willing not only to hear His direction but also to follow it. The greatest blessing is not simply knowing what God wants us to do; it is having a heart that is ready to do it.

1. UNDERSTAND THAT GOD HAS A WILL FOR YOUR LIFE

Discovering God's will begins with recognising that He is purposeful and wise. God created us, sustains us, and calls us to live for His glory. Our lives are not meant to be governed solely by personal desires or the expectations of other people. We are called to acknowledge God in our decisions and allow His truth to shape our direction.

Although God does not reveal every detail of our future at once, He has made His character and many of His expectations clear through Scripture. We can begin walking in His will by obeying what He has already revealed.

a) God Created You for His Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)

The Bible describes believers as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. This teaches us that our lives should produce fruit that reflects God's purpose. We are not saved merely to occupy space on earth; we are saved to belong to Christ and live in ways that honour Him.

Your purpose may involve several responsibilities, including family, work, ministry, service, and personal development. You do not have to wait for a dramatic revelation before beginning to live purposefully. You can start by being faithful in the responsibilities already entrusted to you.

Practical Application: Ask God to show you how to use your gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities to fulfil His purpose.

b) God's Will Is Consistent with His Word (Psalm 119:105)

The psalmist declares that God's Word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. Scripture reveals God's character, moral standards, commands, and principles for wise living. It is therefore an essential guide in discovering His will.

No claimed revelation should be used to justify what the Bible clearly condemns. A decision that requires dishonesty, sexual immorality, oppression, or deliberate disobedience cannot be made righteous simply by calling it God's direction. His guidance will never contradict His revealed truth.

Practical Application: Examine important decisions in the light of Scripture before acting on them.

c) God Desires You to Grow in Understanding (Colossians 1:9)

Paul prayed that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This shows that spiritual understanding is important for Christian maturity.

We grow in discernment as we study Scripture, pray, practise obedience, and learn from experience. We must also remain teachable. Sometimes, the obstacle is not a lack of information but an unwillingness to accept what God has already made clear.

Practical Application: Make learning God's Word and growing in spiritual understanding a consistent part of your Christian life.

d) God's Purpose Requires Your Cooperation (Philippians 2:13)

Paul teaches that God works in believers both to will and to do of His good pleasure. God works within us, shaping our desires and enabling us to obey Him. Yet we must respond to His work with faithfulness and practical action.

A person who senses a call to ministry must prepare and serve. Someone who knows that reconciliation is necessary must take steps towards peace. A believer who desires spiritual growth must cultivate prayer, Scripture reading, and godly fellowship. Discovering God's will should lead to a life of active obedience.

Practical Application: Identify one area where God's instruction is already clear and take a practical step to obey Him.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4)

God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him. Abraham obeyed without knowing every detail of the journey. His experience reminds us that discovering God's will sometimes involves trusting Him for the next step before we understand the whole plan.

2. DISCOVER GOD'S WILL THROUGH HIS WORD

The Word of God is the foundation for discovering His will. It reveals what God loves, what He condemns, how He calls us to treat people, and what kind of character He desires to develop in us. Scripture gives us principles for evaluating choices and protects us from being carried away by deception.

Many people want a special message from God about their future while neglecting the instructions He has already given them. Yet the first step in discerning God's will is to obey His revealed Word.

a) Study the Scriptures Diligently (2 Timothy 2:15)

Paul instructs Timothy to study so that he may present himself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth. Understanding God's will requires more than occasionally reading a verse that happens to catch our attention. We need to develop a sound understanding of Scripture in its context.

Regular Bible study helps us recognise God's principles and apply them appropriately. It also protects us from using isolated verses to support decisions that contradict the wider teaching of the Bible.

Practical Application: Establish a regular Bible-study plan and take time to understand what you read.

b) Discover God's Clearly Revealed Will (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification” (KJV). This reveals that God's will includes our holiness and separation from sinful practices.

We do not need to wait for a dream or prophecy before obeying God's commands concerning purity, honesty, forgiveness, love, and faithfulness. These are already part of His revealed will. When we neglect what is clear, we make it harder to approach uncertain decisions with spiritual maturity.

Practical Application: Begin by obeying the clear biblical instructions you already understand.

c) Allow Scripture to Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2)

Paul teaches believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This renewal enables them to prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect in God's will.

Our thinking is often influenced by culture, personal ambition, fear, and the opinions of others. Scripture reshapes our values so that we begin to evaluate choices according to God's standards rather than merely asking what is popular or profitable.

Practical Application: Identify a belief or attitude that conflicts with Scripture and allow God's Word to correct your thinking.

d) Obey the Truth You Already Know (James 1:22)

James warns believers to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Knowledge without obedience can create the illusion of spiritual maturity while leaving our character unchanged.

Sometimes, we ask God for more direction when we have not acted on the direction already received. We may pray about our future while neglecting present responsibilities. Faithful obedience prepares us to handle greater responsibility.

Practical Application: Put one biblical lesson you have recently learned into practice today.

Biblical Example: Josiah (2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3)

When the Book of the Law was found and read to King Josiah, he recognised that the people had not been living according to God's commands. He responded with humility and initiated reforms. His example demonstrates how discovering God's Word should lead to repentance and practical change.

3. SEEK GOD THROUGH PRAYER

Prayer is an essential part of discovering God's will because it expresses our dependence on Him. In prayer, we present our questions, plans, fears, and desires before the Lord. We ask for wisdom, confess our limitations, and surrender our choices to His authority.

Prayer is not a way of forcing God to approve our preferences. It is a means of drawing near to Him with a heart that is willing to receive direction and correction. The more sincerely we seek Him, the more prepared we become to follow His leading.

a) Ask God for Wisdom (James 1:5)

James teaches that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God, who gives generously without reproach. God invites us to seek His wisdom rather than depend entirely on our own limited understanding.

Wisdom helps us consider the consequences of decisions, understand our responsibilities, recognise risks, and apply biblical principles. We may not receive an immediate answer to every question, but we can trust God to help us make choices that are consistent with His truth.

Practical Application: Pray specifically for wisdom concerning the decisions and responsibilities currently before you.

b) Surrender Your Will to God (Luke 22:42)

In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (KJV). His prayer reveals complete submission to the Father's purpose, even in a moment of deep anguish.

We often find it easier to ask God to bless what we have already decided than to surrender our plans to Him. Genuine prayer involves placing our ambitions, relationships, and expectations before the Lord and being willing to change direction when necessary.

Practical Application: Tell God honestly what you desire, but ask Him to align your desires with His will.

c) Wait on God with Patience (Psalm 27:14)

The psalmist encourages us to wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and allow Him to strengthen our hearts. Waiting can be difficult when we face pressure or uncertainty, but rushing into a decision may create avoidable problems.

Waiting on God does not mean refusing to act when the right course is already clear. It means avoiding panic, continuing to pray, gathering relevant information, and remaining faithful while seeking wisdom.

Practical Application: Resist decisions driven by panic or impatience. Take time to pray and evaluate your options carefully.

d) Pray with a Willing Heart (Psalm 143:10)

David prayed, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God” (KJV). This is a prayer not merely for information but for a teachable and obedient heart.

Sometimes, the greatest challenge is not discovering what God wants but accepting it. We may resist His direction because it challenges our comfort, pride, or ambitions. A willing heart asks God not only to reveal the right path but also to give us grace to walk in it.

Practical Application: Regularly pray that God will make you willing to obey Him, even when His direction challenges your preferences.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11; 2:1-8)

When Nehemiah heard about Jerusalem's broken walls, he mourned, fasted, and prayed. He also prepared carefully for the opportunity to speak with the king. When the moment came, he presented his request and received permission to proceed. His example shows how prayerful dependence can work alongside careful preparation and practical action.

4. FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and apply God's truth. He convicts us of sin, develops Christlike character, reminds us of Christ's teaching, and empowers us to live faithfully. Discovering God's will therefore involves cultivating a relationship with Him rather than relying only on human reasoning.

However, we must exercise discernment. Not every feeling, dream, thought, or statement from another person should automatically be accepted as the voice of God. Spiritual impressions must be tested by Scripture and considered with humility and wisdom.

a) The Holy Spirit Leads God's Children (Romans 8:14)

Paul teaches that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. The Spirit's leadership includes helping us live according to God's character and resist the sinful desires of the flesh.

His leading is not limited to dramatic experiences. It may involve conviction to forgive, courage to speak the truth, wisdom to avoid temptation, or a growing understanding of how Scripture applies to a particular situation.

Practical Application: Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, conduct, and decisions according to God's Word.

b) The Holy Spirit Teaches and Reminds Us (John 14:26)

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach His disciples and bring His words to their remembrance. The Spirit helps believers understand the truth Jesus taught and apply it to the situations they face.

This is one reason Scripture must be stored in our hearts. When we learn God's Word, the Holy Spirit can bring its principles to our attention when we need correction, encouragement, or direction.

Practical Application: Memorise and meditate on Scripture so that God's truth can influence your decisions.

c) Test Every Spiritual Impression (1 John 4:1)

John commands believers not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits. This means that spiritual claims must be examined rather than accepted uncritically.

A dream, prophecy, or inner impression should not be used to justify conduct that contradicts Scripture. Seek wise counsel where necessary, examine the fruit of the proposed decision, and remain humble enough to admit uncertainty. Discernment protects us from deception and manipulation.

Practical Application: Test spiritual impressions against Scripture and seek mature, trustworthy counsel before making major decisions.

d) Walk in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25)

The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities help us recognise whether our lives are increasingly reflecting Christ.

A person should not claim to be following God's direction while consistently practising hatred, dishonesty, uncontrolled anger, or immorality. The Spirit's work develops the character needed to fulfil God's purpose faithfully.

Practical Application: Examine whether your decisions and relationships are reflecting the fruit of the Spirit.

Biblical Example: Philip (Acts 8:26-35)

Philip received direction to go towards the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There he encountered an Ethiopian official reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit directed Philip to approach the chariot, and Philip obeyed, explaining the Scripture and preaching Jesus. His experience illustrates the importance of spiritual attentiveness and obedience in opportunities to serve others.

5. SEEK GODLY COUNSEL AND USE WISDOM

God often uses other people to help us see matters more clearly. Mature believers can provide perspective, identify risks, and remind us of biblical principles that we may have overlooked. Seeking counsel is not a sign of weak faith; it can be an expression of humility and wisdom.

At the same time, we must choose advisers carefully. Not everyone who offers advice has the wisdom, character, or understanding needed to guide us. Counsel should be weighed against Scripture, prayer, relevant facts, and our responsibilities before God.

a) Seek Counsel from Trustworthy Believers (Proverbs 15:22)

The Bible teaches that plans fail without counsel, but with many advisers they can be established. Wise counsel helps us evaluate choices and consider their possible consequences.

When facing a major decision, speak with people who demonstrate godly character, sound judgement, and genuine concern for your welfare. Do not seek advice only from those who will agree with what you already want to do.

Practical Application: Consult mature and trustworthy believers when making significant decisions, and weigh their advice prayerfully.

b) Examine the Consequences of Your Choices (Proverbs 14:15)

Proverbs warns that the simple believe every word, but the prudent person considers his steps. Wisdom requires us to look beyond immediate attraction and examine where a decision may lead.

An opportunity may promise quick profit but involve serious risks or dishonest practices. A relationship may offer excitement but undermine spiritual commitment. Careful evaluation helps us recognise the difference between a promising appearance and a sound decision.

Practical Application: Consider the short-term and long-term consequences of important choices before committing yourself.

c) Count the Cost (Luke 14:28)

Jesus spoke of a man who sits down to count the cost before building a tower. The immediate lesson concerns the cost of discipleship, but it also illustrates the value of thoughtful preparation.

Faith does not mean ignoring resources, responsibilities, or practical realities. Ministry projects, business ventures, education, and family commitments require planning and an honest assessment of what they involve.

Practical Application: Before beginning a major undertaking, assess its costs, responsibilities, resources, and demands.

d) Remain Open to Correction (Proverbs 16:9)

The Bible teaches that a person may plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Our plans are important, but they must remain open to correction when new information, wise counsel, or biblical truth shows that an adjustment is necessary.

Sometimes, we become so attached to our plans that we interpret every obstacle as opposition. Yet a change of direction may be the wisest course. Humility enables us to admit mistakes and pursue a better path without allowing pride to control us.

Practical Application: Plan diligently, but remain willing to adjust when sound evidence and biblical wisdom require it.

Biblical Example: Paul and His Companions (Acts 16:6-10)

Paul and his companions encountered restrictions as they travelled to preach the gospel. Later, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help, and the team concluded that God had called them to preach there. Their experience reminds us to remain attentive to God's direction while continuing to pursue the mission He has given us.

6. OBEY GOD WHEN YOU DISCOVER HIS WILL

The purpose of discovering God's will is to obey Him. Knowledge that does not lead to obedience leaves our lives unchanged. God does not reveal His will merely to satisfy our curiosity; He calls us to walk in His truth and fulfil His purpose.

Obedience may require courage, patience, sacrifice, and a willingness to leave familiar situations. We may not understand every detail of the journey, but we can take the steps that God has made clear through His Word and sound spiritual discernment.

a) Obey Without Unnecessary Delay (James 1:22)

James commands believers to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. When God has made His instruction clear, repeatedly postponing obedience can harden our hearts and waste valuable opportunities.

If you know you need to forgive, begin the process. If you need to correct a dishonest practice, take responsibility. If you must serve, prepare yourself and begin. Obedience becomes meaningful when it is translated into action.

Practical Application: Take one immediate, practical step in response to a clear instruction from God's Word.

b) Trust God Beyond Your Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The Bible instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. We cannot see every consequence or predict every development, but we can trust God's wisdom and faithfulness.

Trusting God does not mean abandoning reason or responsible planning. It means placing our reasoning under His authority and refusing to let uncertainty become an excuse for disobedience.

Practical Application: When you cannot see the whole picture, take the next biblically sound step and entrust the outcome to God.

c) Remain Faithful When Obedience Is Costly (1 Samuel 15:22)

Samuel declared that obedience is better than sacrifice. Religious activities cannot replace submission to God's commands. A person may give generously, preach powerfully, or serve publicly while neglecting honesty, purity, or reconciliation.

True obedience is demonstrated in the choices we make when doing what is right becomes inconvenient. God desires a heart that values His authority above personal comfort and human approval.

Practical Application: Refuse to compromise your biblical convictions merely to gain an advantage or avoid criticism.

d) Persevere in Doing God's Will (Hebrews 10:36)

The writer of Hebrews teaches that believers need patience so that, after doing the will of God, they may receive the promise. Obedience does not always produce immediate results. Some assignments require sustained effort, and some answers take time.

Do not abandon a godly responsibility simply because progress is slow. Continue to pray, serve, work honestly, and trust God. Remain open to His guidance while persevering in what He has clearly called you to do.

Practical Application: Stay faithful to your God-given responsibilities even when results are not immediately visible.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22)

God instructed Noah to build an ark in preparation for the coming flood. Noah followed the instructions he received, despite the demanding nature of the assignment. His life demonstrates that discovering God's will must lead to practical obedience, even when the task requires patience and sustained effort.

CONCLUSION

Discovering God's will is a journey of growing fellowship, spiritual understanding, and obedience. We begin with the truth of Scripture, seek God through prayer, follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, receive wise counsel, and carefully evaluate our decisions. We must remain humble enough to be corrected and courageous enough to obey when God's direction challenges our preferences. Although we may not know every detail of the future, we can walk faithfully in the light God has already given us.

Do not allow fear, confusion, impatience, or the pressure of others to determine your direction. Commit your plans to the Lord, study His Word, pray for wisdom, and obey His clear instructions. Above all, develop a heart that sincerely desires to please Him. When discovering God's will becomes a way of life, your decisions will increasingly reflect His wisdom, your character will grow in Christlikeness, and your life will become more fruitful for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, reveal Your will and purpose for my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me wisdom to make godly decisions, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, guide me in the way I should go, in Jesus name.

4. Father, deepen my understanding of Your Word, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, deliver me from confusion and deception, in Jesus name.

6. Father, give me a heart that obeys You willingly, in Jesus name.

7. Lord, surround me with wise and godly counsellors, in Jesus name.

8. Father, help me trust You when I cannot see the way, in Jesus name.

9. Lord, give me courage to follow Your direction, in Jesus name.

10. Father, help me fulfil Your purpose faithfully, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will grow in the knowledge of God's will.

2. You will receive wisdom for every important decision.

3. You will not be led astray by deception or confusion.

4. You will recognise and obey God's instructions.

5. The Holy Spirit will strengthen you to walk in truth.

6. You will have courage to obey God when it is difficult.

7. Your steps will be guided by biblical wisdom.

8. You will overcome fear and ungodly pressure.

9. You will fulfil your God-given assignment faithfully.

10. You will walk in God's purpose and bring glory to His name, in the mighty name of Jesus.