How to Find the Will of God
1. THE PREREQUISITE: SUBMIT YOUR WILL TO GOD:
A. Seek God’s will, not your own:
Luke 22:42 Not my will, but thine, be done
John 5:30 I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father
John 6:38 I came … not to do mine own will, but the will of [God]
B. Seek and trust God:
Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him
Psalm 143:10 [Pray] Teach me to do thy will … lead me
Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
Colossians 1:9 Pray … that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will
C. Sincerely desire to do God’s will:
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God
Matthew 6:10 Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven
John 4:34 My meat is to do the will of [God] that sent me
Ephesians 6:6 Doing the will of God from the heart
D. As you obey Him, He will reveal His will to you:
Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord
Mark 4:24–25 Unto you that hear shall more be given
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know
Romans 12:1–2 Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy … that ye may prove what is that good … and perfect, will of God
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES US TO FIND GOD’S WILL:
John 16:13–14 The Spirit … will guide you into all truth … and show you
1 Corinthians 2:11 The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God (See also Philippians 3:15.)
1 John 2:27 The same anointing teacheth you of all things
3. THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR GOD’S WILL IS IN HIS WORD:
A. The Bible is His written, revealed will:
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path
Romans 2:18 Knowest his will … being instructed out of the law
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by … God … for instruction
(See also Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 119:128; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 3:14–15.)
B. Warning against not obeying the Word:
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law
Isaiah 8:20 If they speak not according to this word … no light
C. Beware of interpreting it as you please:
2 Peter 1:20 No … scripture is of any private interpretation
2 Peter 3:16 Unlearned … wrest … scriptures, unto their own destruction
Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept … line upon line, here a little, and there a little
(See also Luke 10:25–26.)
D. Read and study the Word carefully:
Nehemiah 8:8 They read in … the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand
Matthew 9:13 Go ye and learn what that [scripture] meaneth
2 Timothy 2:15 Study … rightly dividing the word of truth
E. When a verse speaks specifically, directly to you:
Psalm 103:20 Ye … that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word
Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words … giveth understanding
Psalm 119:133 Order my steps in thy word
Proverbs 6:22–23 When thou goest, [the Word] shall lead thee … and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee
Luke 24:32 Did not our heart burn within us … while [Jesus] opened to us the scriptures?
Acts 2:37 When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart
F. Pray and ask God to help you understand:
Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law
Psalm 119:34–35 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law
Proverbs 2:3–11 If thou … liftest up thy voice for understanding … seekest … Then shalt thou … find knowledge
Luke 24:45 Then opened [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures
G. Ask mature Christians to explain difficult passages to you:
Acts 8:30–35 How can I [understand], except some man should guide me? … I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
4. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH DREAMS:
A. Revelatory dreams given to His people:
Numbers 12:6 I the Lord … will speak unto him in a dream.
Job 33:15–17 In a dream … [God] sealeth their instruction
Jeremiah 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell
Joel 2:28 Your old men shall dream dreams (See also Acts 2:17.)
B. Old Testament examples:
■ God gave Abraham a prophetic message in a dream (Genesis 15:12–16)
■ God’s warning dream to Abimelech, the Philistine king (Genesis 20:2–7)
■ God promised Jacob that He was with him (Genesis 28:10–16)
■ Jacob’s dream warned him to depart (Genesis 31:10–13)
■ Laban warned not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:22–24)
■ Joseph’s two prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:5–9)
■ Prophetic dreams of Pharaoh’s baker and butler (Genesis 40:1–13,16–22)
■ Pharaoh’s dream of coming famine (Genesis 41:17–32)
■ Israel instructed to go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1–4)
■ Gideon encouraged to do God’s will by hearing dream of barleycake (Judges 7:9–15)
■ Solomon’s dream (1 Kings 3:5–15)
■ Eliphaz’s dream (Job 4:12–21)
■ Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of coming world kingdoms (Daniel 2:1,28–29,31–45)
■ The description of the dream and its interpretation was given to Daniel (Daniel 2:16–19)
■ Daniel’s dream of coming world kingdoms (Daniel 7:1–28)
C. New Testament examples:
■ Joseph’s four dreams of instruction and warning (Matthew 1:20–21; 2:13,19–20,22)
■ Wise men warned in a dream (Matthew 2:12)
■ Pilate’s wife’s warning dream concerning Jesus (Matthew 27:19)
D. Caution regarding determining God’s will by dreams:
Ecclesiastes 5:3 A dream [can come] through the multitude of business
Ecclesiastes 5:7 In the multitude of dreams … there are also divers vanities
Jeremiah 23:25–27 I have dreamed … deceit of their own heart
Jeremiah 23:32 I am against them that prophesy false dreams
Jeremiah 29:8 Neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed
5. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH VISIONS:
A. A vision is when God flashes a picture in your mind’s eye:
Numbers 12:6 I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision
Numbers 24:4 Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open
Ezekiel 1:1 The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God
Hosea 12:10 I [God] have multiplied visions [to instruct people]
Joel 2:28 I will pour out my spirit … young men shall see visions
Acts 10:9–11 Peter … fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened
B. Some Old Testament examples:
■ Abraham received prophecy in a vision (Genesis 15:1–5)
■ Micaiah’s vision of the defeat of Israel and of the council around God’s throne (1 Kings 22:17–36)
■ Ezekiel’s visions (Ezekiel 1:1–4; 8:1–2; 10:1)
■ Daniel’s visions of future events (Daniel 8:1–2; 10:4–7)
■ Zechariah’s visions (Zechariah 1:7–8)
C. New Testament examples:
■ Archangel Gabriel appeared and prophesied to Zacharias (Luke 1:11–13,22)
■ Paul’s vision of Jesus (Acts 9:1–7; 26:13–19)
■ God instructed Ananias in a vision (Acts 9:10–11)
■ Paul’s vision of Ananias (Acts 9:12)
■ An angel instructed Cornelius (Acts 10:1–6)
■ God instructed Peter with vision of unclean animals (Acts 10:9–16)
■ Paul’s vision of a Macedonian man (Acts 16:9)
■ God encouraged Paul in a vision (Acts 18:9–10)
D. Beware of false visions:
Jeremiah 14:14 They prophesy unto you a false vision … the deceit of their heart
Jeremiah 23:16 They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.
Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things
6. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH PROPHECY AND REVELATIONS:
A. Prophecy: God speaking through you, or to your heart:
1 Kings 19:12 [God spoke to Elijah in] a still small voice
Jeremiah 1:9 Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth
Ezekiel 3:10–11 All my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears
Ezekiel 3:27 I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them
Luke 2:26 It was revealed unto [Simeon] by the Holy Ghost
Acts 2:17 In the last days … your sons and your daughters shall prophesy
Acts 10:19–20 While Peter thought … the Spirit said unto him
Acts 13:1–2 There were … certain prophets … the Holy Ghost said
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some [prophets] in the church
(See also Acts 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:31; Ephesians 3:3,5.)
B. Warnings about false prophecy:
Deuteronomy 13:1–3 [Don’t heed prophets which try to turn you astray]
Deuteronomy 18:22 If the thing follow not, nor come to pass … the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously
Jeremiah 23:21 I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied
Jeremiah 23:26 They are prophets of the deceit of their own heart
Ezekiel 13:6–7 Ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken
Galatians 1:8 Though we, or an angel … preach any other gospel … let him be accursed.
(See also Matthew 24:4–5,11,23–26)
7. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH GODLY COUNSEL:
A. Counselling with others who know God and His Word well:
Exodus 18:25–26 Able men … judged the people
Deuteronomy 17:8–11 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgement … matters of controversy … come unto the … judge
Proverbs 11:14 In the multitude of counsellors there is safety
Proverbs 15:22 In the multitude of counsellors [purposes] are established
Proverbs 20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel
2 Corinthians 13:1 In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established
(See also Acts 11:22–23; 15:22,32.)
B. Coming to a reasonable agreement:
Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord
Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us
C. Warnings about not seeking (or not heeding) godly counsel:
Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed
2 Chronicles 10:1–15 And Rehoboam … forsook the counsel which the [wiser] old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men
Acts 27:9–15,21,41 [The sailors rejected Paul’s counsel, based their decisions on natural reasoning (27:12–13), and were shipwrecked]
D. Be willing to change plans if God leads otherwise:
2 Samuel 7:1–13 [Nathan agreed to David’s plan to build a temple, but changed his mind after God showed him otherwise]
8. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL BY OBVIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES:
A. God often sets up circumstances to show His will:
2 Samuel 5:22–25 [God gave David a specific sign as to when to rise and attack the Philistines]
Mark 14:12–16 Go into the city and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher … follow him (See also Luke 22:7–13.)
B. Sometimes circumstances indicate God’s leading:
Luke 10:8–9 Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat
(See also Matthew 10:11.)
1 Corinthians 16:9 A great door and effectual is opened unto me
2 Corinthians 2:12 When I came to Troas … a door was opened unto me of the Lord
Revelation 3:8 I have set before thee an open door … for thou … hast kept my word
Luke 10:8–9 Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat
(See also Matthew 10:11.)
C. Examples of obvious circumstances:
Acts 8:30–35 [Ethiopian eunuch requested an explanation of Isaiah 53]
Acts 13:7 Sergius Paulus, [governor of Cyprus] called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God
Acts 13:14–16 If ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on
Acts 17:18–22 May we know what this new doctrine … is?
John 2:1–11 There was a marriage … Jesus was called, and his disciples [His miracle there caused many to believe]
D. Gauging circumstances and conditions, and acting accordingly:
1 Kings 17:1–9 [When the brook Cherith dried, Elijah knew it was time to move on, and God told him where to go]
Matthew 12:14–15 Pharisees … held a council … how they might destroy him
Luke 10:10 In whatsoever city they receive you not, go your ways
(See also Matthew 10:14.)
John 7:1 He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him
John 11:53–54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but went
Acts 8:1,4 [God uses persecution and adverse circumstances to make you obey if you won’t otherwise] (See also Acts 1:8.)
Acts 14:5–6 There was an assault … they were ware of it, and fled
Acts 20:3,6 [About to sail to Syria, Paul learned of an ambush and travelled another route instead]
Acts 27:9–10 When sailing was now dangerous … Paul admonished them
Acts 27:12–15 [Warning regarding wrongly judging conditions]
E. Circumstances are not always an indication of God’s will:
Exodus 14:9–16 [The Red Sea seemed to be an impassable closed door]
2 Kings 7:1–2,18 If the Lord would make windows in heaven [to provide food], might this thing be? … And it came to pass
Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that regardeth the clouds shall not reap
Jeremiah 1:6–7 [Youthful Jeremiah knew the elders might not listen to him, but was commanded to prophesy anyway]
Matthew 14:15–21 This is a desert … and the time is now [late]; send the multitude away [But Jesus fed them miraculously]
Matthew 15:32–38 Whence should we have so much bread [to feed them]?
F. Have faith and don’t “look at the waves” and conditions:
Matthew 14:30–31 When [Peter] saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid … Jesus … said unto him, Wherefore didst thou doubt?
Mark 2:2–5 When they could not come nigh to him for the [crowds] they [broke up] the roof … and let down the bed
Luke 5:5 Master we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will
Luke 8:49–50 Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. [Jesus] answered … Fear not: believe only
John 11:39–40 By this time he stinketh … Jesus saith … If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight
Hebrews 11:23–27 By faith Moses [obeyed God] … not fearing the … king
9. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH THE “WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT”:
A. Sometimes God leads by giving a strong desire:
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man … from the Lord
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord … he turneth it whithersoever he will
Judges 14:1–4 [Samson desired a Philistine woman] It was of the Lord
B. Beware about insisting on something you want:
Numbers 22:12–22,32 [Balaam—greedy for gain—went with wicked king Balak’s messengers]
2 Kings 5:15–16,20–27 [Elisha refused to accept gifts from Naaman, but Gehazi covetously took some and was struck leprous]
Psalm 106:14–15 He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul
Acts 21:4,10–14,27,33 [Paul determined to go to Jerusalem despite the Holy Spirit’s warning, and was imprisoned]
James 4:3 Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts
10. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH CONFIRMING SIGNS:
A. Setting a condition for a specific confirming sign:
Genesis 24:14 [Abraham’s servant set a specific requirement to let him know who was to be Isaac’s wife]
Judges 6:36–40 [Gideon and the “sign” of the wet and dry fleeces]
1 Samuel 14:8–10 But if they say thus … this shall be a sign unto us
B. Requiring a “sign” often indicates unbelief:
Matthew 12:39 An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign
John 4:48 Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe
11. SOMETIMES GOD’S WILL AND PLANS ARE CONDITIONAL:
A. What God does often depends upon man’s actions and reactions:
1 Kings 21:17–29 [Judgement delayed because Ahab repented]
2 Chronicles 7:13–14 [If the people repented, God’s judgements turned away]
2 Chronicles 34:24–28 [Judgement delayed because Josiah repented]
Jeremiah 26:2–3,13 Turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them
Matthew 10:13 If the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it
Hebrews 4:6 Some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief
(See also Hebrews 3:10–12,18–19.)
B. Examples of God changing His mind:
Exodus 32:9–14 Moses besought the Lord … and the Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do
(See also Genesis 19:17–21; 2 Kings 20:1–6; Amos 7:1–6; Jonah 3:4–10.)
12. GOD OFTEN GIVES HIS PEOPLE ALTERNATIVE CHOICES:
A. He lets us choose within the boundary of His overall will:
1 Samuel 10:7 Do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
2 Samuel 24:11–15 [David allowed to choose his punishment]
1 Kings 3:5,9–10 [Solomon told to ask God for whatever he wanted]
1 Corinthians 7:36 Let him do what he will, he sinneth not
1 Corinthians 10:27 If any … bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go
B. Our plans should be subject to the will of God:
James 4:13–15 Ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall
Acts 18:21 I will return again unto you, if God will
Romans 1:10 Making request, if … I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
(See also 1 Corinthians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:7; Hebrews 6:3.)
C. Be sure you’re right before going ahead:
Romans 14:23 For whatsoever is not of faith is sin
D. Lovingly consider the effects of your actions on others:
Romans 14:15 If thy brother be grieved … walkest thou not charitably
1 Corinthians 8:9 Lest … this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock
1 Corinthians 8:13 If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh
13. WHAT TO DO WHEN GOD DOES NOT REVEAL HIS WILL:
A. God sometimes conceals His will from the unyielded and disobedient:
1 Samuel 28:6,15–16 [When rebellious Saul prayed and enquired of the Lord, He didn’t answer him]
1 Kings 22:5–7,19–23 [God sent a lying spirit to deceive wicked King Ahab and hide His true plans from him]
Jeremiah 4:10 Thou hast greatly deceived this people … saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword [comes]
Micah 3:4,6–7 He will not hear them … there is no answer of God
Luke 10:21 Thou hast hid these things from the [worldly] wise
2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 Because they received not the love of the truth … God shall send them strong delusion (See also Isaiah 66:4.)
B. How not to try to find God’s will:
[Avoid divination, séances, and all occult-related mediums: See Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10–11,14; 2 Kings 21:6; 1 Chronicles 10:13–14; Isaiah 8:19; Ezekiel 21:21; Daniel 2:27–28.]
14. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DESPERATELY REQUIRE SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS:
Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel (See also Psalm 16:7.)
Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee … I have led thee in right paths
A. God promises to tell you exactly where to go:
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it
B. You must depend upon God to lead you:
Jeremiah 10:23 The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps
Psalm 25:4–5 Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths
Psalm 31:3 For thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established
C. God sends His angels to guide you:
Exodus 23:20 I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared
Exodus 32:34 Go … mine Angel shall go before thee
(See also Genesis 24:7.)
D. You must seek and pray for His leading:
Psalm 25:4 Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths
Psalm 143:8 Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee
Proverbs 3:5–6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths
E. Let God lead, even if you don’t know where you’re going:
Hebrews 11:8 Abraham, when he was called to go out … obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (See also Genesis 12:1.)
15. YOU CAN COUNT ON GOD’S LEADINGS EVEN WHEN …
A. You’re discouraged and at wits’ end:
Psalm 23:4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death … thou art with me
Psalm 142:3 My spirit was overwhelmed … thou knewest my path
B. You feel lost:
Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known
C. You desperately need guidance in time of danger:
2 Kings 6:8–12 [Elisha warned the king of Israel of the enemies’ plans]
Psalm 27:11 Teach me thy way … lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies
Psalm 78:43–52 [Though Egypt suffered plagues, God] made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them
D. You need a place to stay or eat:
Psalm 107:6–7 They cried unto the Lord … and he led them forth by the right way … to a city of habitation.
Mark 14:12–16 Go into the city and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water, follow him (See also Luke 22:9–13.)
E. You’re in a faraway, strange land:
Psalm 139:9–10 In the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me
16. THE WILL OF GOD IS SUPREME:
A. God is omnipotent and does whatever He wills:
Psalm 75:6–7 God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Daniel 4:17 The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men
Daniel 4:35 He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven
Acts 5:38–39 If this counsel … be of God, ye cannot overthrow it
Romans 9:15–18 Not of him that willeth … but of God that showeth mercy
Ephesians 1:11 [God] worketh all things after the counsel of his own will
B. Even seeming bad things happen only by God’s will:
Job 2:3–6 [In order to test and purge Job] the Lord said unto Satan, He is in thine hand
Acts 2:23 [Jesus] delivered by the … foreknowledge of God
1 Peter 4:19 Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him
(See also Acts 4:28.)
17. REWARDS FOR DOING GOD’S WILL:
Matthew 7:21 He that doeth the will of my Father [shall enter the kingdom]
Matthew 12:50 Whosoever shall do the will of [God] is my brother
John 9:31 If any man … doeth [God’s] will, him he heareth
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you
Hebrews 10:36 After ye have done the will of God … receive the promise
1 John 2:17 He that doeth the will of God abideth for ever
1 John 5:14 If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us
18. GOD’S WILL ON SPECIFIC SUBJECTS:
A. God’s will regarding salvation:
(See Matthew 18:14; John 1:13; 6:39–40; Ephesians 1:5; 1 Timothy 2:4; James 1:18; 2 Peter 3:9.)
B. Verses on different aspects of God’s will in a Christian’s life:
(See 1 Corinthians 12:11; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 2:4; 10:10; 1 Peter 2:15; 3:17; 4:2,19.)
C. The will of God is the path of life:
(See Psalm 16:11; 23:3; 25:10; Proverbs 2:8,13,20; 4:11,18; 12:28; Micah 4:2.)