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How to Know and Do the Will of God

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

"If only I knew for sure," a pastor says as he ponders the ministry choice laid out before him. A father wrestles with whether or not he should give up his present job and accept the new one offered in another city. So much is at stake. A mother asks, "Should I change from being a homemaker and go into the workplace, or should I stay where I am?" A student ponders what the future may hold.

These illustrate a few of the problems we face and some of the circumstances which bring us to the question - how can we know God's will? It's a big question, isn't it?

Knowing and doing the will of God is a lifestyle for the true Christian. It is not hit and miss. It is not a sometimes occurrence. It is constant. Ongoing.

I. TO KNOW GOD'S WILL BEGINS WITH GENERAL REVELATION

Common sense, some people call it. My grandma would refer to it as "horse sense." But call it what you will, all of us know that we're responsible for exercising judgment in the everyday affairs of life. When it rains, we know to take an umbrella. When it's cold, we know to wear a coat.

And it is with general revelation that we begin our search for the will of God. It may be an elusive beginning; but it remains a firm and fixed star.

II. WITH GENERAL REVELATION FIXED AS THE MORNING STAR OF OUR LIVES, WE THINK SECOND OF GOD'S SPECIAL REVELATION.

Since the dawn of creation, God has been pleased to make known His will to mankind through special revelation. God's revelation is summed up in the person, the ministry, and the work of Jesus Christ. God was, through Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself; and we learn of Christ through the Word of God.

As we learn to trust God, we cease to question God. And often, it is in this restfulness in God's grace that we discover best what is the will of God for our lives.

Of course, many questions remain - and always will remain unanswered in our lives. We will continue to be perplexed and will keep wrestling with the wisdom of decisions and will long for some miracle to show us the way.

Many a man walking in darkness longs for a star. Many a woman, confused and bewildered with the conflicting sounds of advice, cries out for a voice to speak the way. Yet, no star shines, and no voice speaks. Only uncertainty. It is at this point precisely, that faith must come to our rescue.

But I'm talking about faith in God - not faith in faith.

Neither am I talking about faith in fables.

Some people superstitiously flip open their Bibles looking for an answer as to whether or not they should go on an out of town trip. They may accept or reject a job offer on the basis of whether or not the phone rings during the next hour.

Not only are these kinds of actions foolish, but they are directly contrary to Scripture. Palm readers, crystal ball freaks, stargazers, dice rollers, odds calculators, ouija board believers, astrologers, and other merchandisers of guidance will all let you down. You will find positive guidance only in the one sure book (the Bible) and through the one sure person (Jesus Christ) who has your best interest at heart.

A person can - sometimes quite honestly - become hung up on this "knowing God's will" idea to where it distorts the whole concept of Christian faith.

Knowing and doing the will of God should not always have to be a struggle. God does not want to conceal Himself FROM you. God wants to reveal Himself TO you. He wants good things to happen in your life.

Nowhere does the New Testament teach, or even hint, that the Christian is freed from the difficulties or from the setbacks of life. Like everyone else, we exercise judgment, we think, we weigh the issues, and we do the best we can. For mistakes in judgment, we pay. For successes, we rejoice. And always we trust God.

The same Bible that teaches that "it rains on the just and on the unjust," also teaches that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord."

God has promised to "open up the way before you, step by step." He doesn't show us His will ten years in advance on a giant screen with crystal clarity, but He shows us moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day, step by step.

And always remember this.

God's will won't place you where His grace cannot keep you.

Whenever I'm puzzled about God's will I ask myself these three questions:

1.) Is it God's Will? I make sure that the Bible speaks to my heart.

2.) Is it God's Will for ME? I make sure that His Holy Spirit has ample opportunity to speak to MY heart before I decide which direction to take.

3.) Is it God's Will for me NOW? That's the question that trips up most of us, isn't it? Timing.

There is no magical formula, there is no secret ritual, there is no simple, push-button answer; but there IS God's revelation - both general and special - and there is trust and positive submission.

Shall we pray:

"Our Father, we view Your will not as a burden to be borne, but as an opportunity to be seized. We joyfully embrace Your will as our will."

Amen

Feedback

Great word! As always, I appreciate your ministry and influence.

Pastor Blaine Faircloth
Riverview, Michigan

Love those three questions you always ask yourself. That is so rich!

Deborah Davis
Phoenix, Arizona

What you said about knowing and doing the will of God had my name all over it. I accept it as an important part of my life.

Jason Bradley
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Amazing timing because I am considering a major move in my life and needed exactly what you had to say. God really is active in our lives.

Frances Southworth
Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks, Carl, for the excellent overview of God's will. Over the years I have quoted to others (with credit to you) what you told me - some 30+ years ago - when you spoke at West Coast Bible College in Fresno, California the three questions (God's will, His will for me, His will for me now) and those questions have carried me through many decisions. Thank you for your prayers for Janice and me as we enter the next two weeks of reflection and waiting upon the Lord in preparation for the General Assembly of our church denomination.

Dr. Grant Mcclung
Cleveland, Tennessee

Yes, step 3 is usually the place I stumble a bit! But not in the manner of rushing headlong into decisions; I'm the steadfast-plodder-type person that weighs each decision carefully. Often, too carefully; my plodding occasionally causes me to miss opportunities. I can appreciate this message more than ever at this point in my life.

Dee Yoder
Mansfield, Ohio

As a student, I am preparing myself for some kind of future work for God. I just don't know what, for now. Your blog will help me frame my prayers in a more intelligent manner. Thank you, sir.

Richard Nottingham
Auckland, New Zealand

I really like your whole website. Every time I log in, I discover some new treasure. Today, it was your blog about "Knowing and Doing the Will of God." I love your Oasis radio broadcasts which I listen to on my local station here in Hartford, but now I know that I may hear every one of your daily 5-minute messages which are also posted on your website at a time of my choosing and not necessarily of our station here in the city.

Ann Clifton
Hartford, Connecticut

I must have missed something in your article on the will of God. How does one know when they have made the right decision? Is there some sort of litmus test?

Jerald McMillan
Los Angeles, California

Your website is huge! But it's easy to navigate. I am moved by the vastness of your global vision and yet by the simplicity of your blogs - especially the one I read today on finding and doing the will of God. Thanks! It was just what the doctor ordered.

Todd Wakefield
Houston, Texas

Thank you for your words of wisdom. Your articles are always encouraging and challenging. I have used your material to help craft my sermons. God bless you much for your labors of love!

Pastor David Hammontree, Sr.
Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

Very good and simple admonition. Thank you for all you do.

Pastor Lavoy Newton
St. Augustine, Florida

You have always been a blessing to the Pace family and I admire your courage to go and do what very few can even imagine much less act upon! I pray God's blessings and His divine favor be with you and your ministry.

Jeff Pace
Norcross, Georgia

Great word! More people need horse sense. Loved the three questions!

Pastor Tony Stewart
Tampa (University), Florida

You have always bee a great blessing to my ministry through the years. I still listen to your camp meeting tapes from years gone by. I truly appreciate your website.

Pastor Jack Ford
Murphy, North Carolina

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