From wondering to walking in the will of God
We often ask ourselves, "What is the will of God?" But we rarely get down to the most imperative question: How do I do the will of God? This is the most important aspect of the Christian life.
Although it is hard at times to pinpoint specific directions for major life choices—like who to marry, which job to take, or which school to attend—there is one thing we can know for sure: how to live out God's will daily.
Below are some key steps to understanding and doing the will of God. Keep this in mind: as you seek God through prayer and studying the Word, while actively applying His known will, He is fully capable of guiding you into His unknown will. Follow what you already know. Your growth and development will not only prepare you for where you are headed, but it will lead you directly to it.
Trust that God is not just interested in you figuring out His plans; He is deeply dedicated to you learning how to live for Him. So, let’s take a breather from trying with all our might to figure out the future, and focus instead on doing what we know is one hundred percent in His will today.
1. Be Thankful
“Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (GW)
Keep in mind, the verse right before this tells us never to stop praying, so don't stop praying! This passage indicates to us that we can know for certain, "This is God's will for my life."
Admittedly, it is not always easy to be thankful when we focus on ourselves. But when we shift our focus to God's purpose and what He has already done for us, gratitude becomes easier. A focal point to highlight within this verse is the phrase, “whatever happens.” That means no matter what our circumstances look like, our lives should be defined by thanksgiving to God.
If we would learn how to be thankful, we would save ourselves from a lot of trouble. Think of the words and actions we wouldn't regret if we simply chose to be more thankful in our thoughts, words, and deeds. So, be thankful—it is His will.
2. Live Set Apart (Sanctification)
“It is God’s will that you keep away from sexual sin as a mark of your devotion to him.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
"Sanctification" is a big theological word that simply means “being set apart for God.” This is essentially Jesus' ultimate goal for us, according to Romans 8:29. He wants us to be conformed to His image, to be like Him, and to value our relationship with the Father above all else, just as He did during His earthly ministry.
The latter part of this verse addresses something many people struggle with: sexual sin. While it acts as a hindrance to knowing and doing the will of God, there is always hope for freedom. God is able to free you from any form of bondage. While He may deliver you immediately upon confession, He also watches to see if you are willing to endure discomfort to obey Him.
Are you willing to endure temptations, withdrawals, or attacks of the enemy to find more of God in your life? The truth stands firm: sometimes God wants you to cut off the sin completely. In response to a changed mind, He will renew your mind, empower you, strengthen you, and give you an abundance of grace to overcome. So, live set apart—it is His will.
3. Be Willing to Suffer
This isn’t the most appealing part of finding and doing God’s will. However, 1 Peter 3:17 says:
“After all, if it is God’s will, it’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong.”
If we have to suffer for doing God’s will, so be it. Christians throughout history have died because they professed their belief in Jesus Christ, and it is still happening to this day. When is the last time you prayed for the persecuted Church?
It is written in 2 Timothy 3:12 that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Persecution can come from people or from spiritual warfare. However, when we look at sanctification, suffering is often the very thing that produces the deepest spiritual growth.
Sometimes we have to make up our minds once and for all: No matter what, I am going to follow Jesus. We have to say, "I am going to be thankful, I am going to be set apart, and I am going to be delivered from this bondage of sin. I am willing to endure hardship to achieve a greater devotion to God and bring Him glory." Once we make that decision and follow through with prayer and the Word of God, He is capable of acting on our behalf in ways we cannot even comprehend.
Final Thoughts
Remember this: the revealed will of God that is followed will often open our eyes to the hidden will of God that is unknown. In time, we will look back and see the truth of Scripture:
“For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13
A Prayer for the Journey
Father God, thank You for sanctification, gratitude, a changed mind, a changed heart, a renewed attitude, and a restored future with You. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome, obey, and follow You at any cost—not just to know Your will, but because You are worthy of my total devotion, no matter what happens. Lord, help me to remember all You have done in my life. Enable me to let go of bitterness and sins of the flesh so I can be more like You, set apart to fulfill the work that You created me to do on this earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.