Once you become a Christian, the exhilaration is profound. The Holy Spirit fills you with love, peace, and the desire to step out and do something. But what is it he wants you to do? An immature Christian may jump into following a path not meant for him or her. There are so many roads to choose from in following Jesus. You don’t want to make the right choice.
However, the Bible has it all mapped out for you. The path God has chosen for you is just for you.
Ephesians 2:10 New King James Version
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
God tells us through Paul that He knew us before we were born and trained a way for our lives. That statement is awesome! We were known before we were born! Let that sink in a minute. Another scripture that tells us this is from the Old Testament:
Jeremiah 1:4-5 NKJV
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; Before you were born, I sanctified[a] you; I [b]ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Colossians 1:9-11NKJV
9 For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.
Once again, we go to the Old Testament. The keywords here are, ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
The first step to following God’s will is to find out what it is. Sounds simple enough, but is it? Pray, pray, and pray some more. The first step in your life as a Christian is prayer. Ask God for his wisdom and to give you spiritual understanding.
Philippians 2:13 NKJV
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Again, from Paul’s writings, God tells us that He works through you. What He has planned for you pleases Him.
Romans 12: 1-2NKJV
12 I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Following the will of God is no simple matter. You are turning yourself over to God. You’re turning away from what this evil world has for you and transforming your mind toward the ‘perfect will of God.’ In one way or other, you will be serving God.
James 3:16NkJV
6 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus, warns us about what happens if we do not conform our minds to God when seeking His wisdom.
1 Corinthians 14: 33NKJV
33 For God is not the author of [a]confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
Don’t let me scare you away from seeking God’s calling for you. In the end, following His will brings you peace, understanding, and fulfillment in your life.
John 8: 32NKJV
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
My favorite writer of the scriptures, John, gives us the best reason to follow the will of God. Now we go on to how you can know His will for your life.
Ephesians 5: 17-18NKJV
7 Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
The critical part of Paul’s verse is, ‘be filled with the Spirit. Part of learning what’s planned for you is from the Holy Spirit. So, in prayer and meditation, listen to God’s voice. You’ll recognize it when He speaks.
God may tell you outright what he wants of you. Or, He may instruct you to go to someone else. That would be someone already strong in the Lord, like your pastor, an elder of the church, or a close friend.
Continual reading of the Bible is another way to find His will. You would be surprised how God speaks to you through His word.
Finally, use your common sense. You know what talents God has given you. You may have skills in music, public speaking, hospitality with strangers, and learning languages quickly. The list goes on. Compare what you know about yourself and ask God, through prayer, Bible reading, and Christian influences, what is your will for my life?
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