Some see the will of God as a mystery, out of reach or only for the deeply spiritual. Others view it as strict rules or a single path with one chance to get it right. Some assume whatever happens was meant to happen, seeing no reason to seek His will.
The truth is that knowing God’s will is possible for every one of us.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul prayed, “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives…” (Colossians 1:9 NIV). His will is not hidden. He reveals it through His Word, His Spirit, and in many ways in our lives.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) offers guidance for discerning God’s will: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” As He transforms our thinking to align with His truth, we grow in understanding His will.
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What Is the Will of God?
God’s will includes His intentions and plans for all creation, His people, and each individual.
Since God is sovereign, according to His will, some things are already determined and will be fulfilled. One aspect of God’s will is revealed in Ephesians 1:9 (NIV): “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.”
God reveals how to apply His will daily through the principles in His Word. Micah 6:8 (NIV) reminds us, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This reflects one way God desires us to relate to Him and others.
Another way God reveals His will is through how He leads us individually. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) assures His guidance: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” God invites you to walk closely with Him and discover His will.
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Discerning God’s Will for Your Life
Our relationship with God is the foundation for clarity as we seek His will. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 NIV). As we grow closer to Him, we begin to recognize His voice, understand His character, and discern His leading.
We may not receive clear direction in our timing. Clarity often comes through seeking God, applying His principles, and stepping out in faith. If we lose our way, God redirects us and works all things for our good (Romans 8:28 NIV).
Even when His direction is not what we expect, we can trust that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV).
Following God’s will means trusting Him fully and surrendering control. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV). As we grow in intimacy with Him, our hearts align with His, and we better understand and walk in His will.
How do you know God’s will for your life? James 1:5 (NIV) lays the foundation: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all…and it will be given to you.”
As you seek His wisdom, consider these common ways God reveals His will, and notice how they may connect and reinforce one another in your life.
1. God’s Character – God’s will is always consistent with who He is. If something contradicts His nature, it is outside of His will. (Psalm 33:11, Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
2. Biblical Truth and Principles – God’s Word reveals His character, desires, and truth, helping you discern whether a decision aligns with His ways and wisdom. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:105 NIV)
3. Mind and Model of Christ – When you reflect the attitude and example of Jesus, your choices honor God’s will. (Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 2:21)
4. The Holy Spirit’s Leading – The Holy Spirit gives nudges, confirmations, convictions, or cautions in your spirit as you seek clarity. (John 14:26 NIV)
5. Spiritual Disciplines – Prayer, worship, Scripture, and fasting help you draw near to God and know His voice. (Joshua 1:8, Philippians 4:6 NIV)
6. Wise Counsel – Seek guidance from godly people who can offer perspective grounded in God’s Word and wisdom. (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)
7. Open Doors and Circumstances – God may provide opportunities or shape life events to clarify His direction, and close doors that are not part of His plan. (Colossians 4:3 NIV)
8. Personal Messages and Signs – God may stir your heart, mind, or spirit through words, inner promptings, burdens, visions, or dreams. He may also use something personal, unique, or unexpected as a sign to confirm His leading. When a message or impression recurs, it may reveal His direction. (Job 33:14, 1 Kings 19:12-13, Nehemiah 2:12, Judges 6:17 NIV)
Even if clarity comes gradually, God helps you understand and follow His will for your life.
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How to Know God’s Will Versus Your Own
One of the most common questions people ask when seeking God’s will is, “How do I know the difference between God's will and my will?” His guidance can be unmistakably clear, but when it is not or a quick or difficult decision arises, discernment is essential.
If we are not intentionally pursuing God’s will, we might be led by other influences, often without realizing it. These distractions open the door to unnecessary challenges and cause us to veer away from His plan or even resist His will altogether.
Below are common sources that can cloud your discernment and hinder following God’s will:
-Relying on your reasoning or emotions can lead to confusion, straying from His direction, and missed opportunities. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
-Following your desires when they do not align with God’s may cause you to settle for less than His best, causing discontent and regret. (Galatians 5:16 NIV)
-Motives rooted in pride, fear, or personal gain can distort judgment, oppose God’s wisdom, and lead you off course. (James 4:3 NIV)
-Making quick decisions impatiently rather than waiting on God’s direction and timing may cause missteps and avoidable struggles. (Psalm 27:14 NIV)
-Pleasing other people instead of God can distract you and lead you to take on roles and commitments not meant for you. (Galatians 1:10 NIV)
-Conforming to society’s influence causes you to drift from godly principles and exchange the deeper fulfillment God offers for temporary satisfaction or worldly success. (1 John 2:15-17 NIV)
Temptation or deception by the enemy causes you to question God’s truth, resist His guidance, lose His peace, and miss the blessings He intends for you. (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 NIV
The more we grow in our relationship with God and apply His Word, the more we can sense the difference between His desires and our own or those from outside influences.
As we align our hearts and lives with God’s truth, the mind of Christ, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, He guides us toward His will and the promises He has for us.
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What Does Divine Purpose Mean?
God’s will includes His overall plan for the world and our lives, while divine purpose focuses on the specific role He calls each of us to fulfill within that plan. It also shows how we are to live out His will in creation, as His people, and in our lives.
What does it mean to walk in your divine purpose? It means embracing how God’s purposes are intended to unfold in your faith and daily life and living them out.
Purpose as Believers
As followers of Christ, our greatest purpose is to love God and love people. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to “Love the Lord your God” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV). Everything else flows from this foundation.
Another aspect of our divine purpose is to conform to the image of Christ. God’s Word reveals that “those who love God and are called according to his purpose” were chosen to “become like his Son” (Romans 8:28-29 NLT).
Part of our purpose is found in Jesus’s commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). Sharing His truth and leading others to Him is a core part of our purpose as believers.
Another way we walk in divine purpose is by glorifying God through how we live. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). Growing in Christ and living a fruitful life honors God.
We can be faithful to the purposes of God through practical steps each day.
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Purpose in Every Area of Life
God’s purposes are also reflected in how we live daily. Understanding the purpose He gives you for the following areas of life helps guide you in living out His will each day.
-Spiritual – Grow in your relationship with God and reflect His nature. (Psalm 119:10 NIV)
-Physical – Steward your body well to serve Him effectively. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV)
-Relationships – Love others as Christ loves you, reflecting His character. (John 13:34 NIV)
-Finances – Manage resources wisely to honor God and support His work. (1 Timothy 6:17-18 NIV)
-Work – Approach each task wholeheartedly, serving God faithfully. (Colossians 3:23 NIV)
-Intentional living in these areas prepares you to effectively pursue the specific purpose God has planned for your life.
Purpose Specific to Each Person
Each of us is created for a specific purpose. This individual calling reflects how we are uniquely equipped and positioned to fulfill a role that serves God’s will.
Though God may directly reveal our purpose, this calling is often uncovered over time as we grow in Him and follow His leading step by step.
Prayerfully exploring these areas for patterns can help you grow in understanding your purpose.
-God’s leading in a specific direction or way to serve
-Persistent dreams or visions that God has placed on your heart
-Opportunities God continues to put in front of you
-Spiritual gifts, strengths, values, and passions
-Experiences that shape you or where you impacted others
-Burdens on your heart to help people or the world
-Input from others affirming your abilities
-As your ability to recognize God’s will grows, you more clearly sense His guidance in how to live out your purpose in every season of life.
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Encouragement for Living in God’s Will and Purpose
If you are seeking how to know God’s will and purpose for your life, spiritual intimacy and faithful pursuit are essential. As you grow closer to God, you will better discern His leading and make choices reflecting His direction.
Some parts of His plan remain unknown, yet God reveals what you need as you seek Him. Even when uncertain, you are not on your own. God promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8 NIV).
Trusting God brings peace and assurance that He will lead you in His perfect way and time.
You can know God’s will for you. You can live out God’s purpose for your life. He will grow your clarity and courage to live the life He meant for you.
Prayer for God’s Will
Lord,
Thank You that Your will for my life is not hidden and that You created me with a divine purpose. Help me to seek You first, trust Your timing, and follow Your leading each day. Give me clarity to understand Your will, courage to walk in it, and a heart that faithfully lives out Your purpose for me.
Amen.
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Connect with Arris on her website, https://liveinspiredbypurpose.com/, or through Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube.
Originally published Friday, 09 May 2025.