Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
(Galatians 5:25)
God wants to guide you on your life journey, but do you know how to discern his direction? How do you separate what God is saying to you from all the other distracting messages around you?
First, prepare your heart to hear God.
By getting right with God
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
By surrendering your will to God
“We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.” (John 9:31, NIV)
By humbling yourself before God
“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIV)
By renewing your mind with biblical truth
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
By having a mindset of faith, trust, and expectancy toward God
“We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV)
By being patient and willing to wait on God
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)
Second, monitor God’s channels of communication.
God directs our steps through his Word, the Bible.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
God directs our steps through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13, NIV)
God directs our steps through other people.
“Make plans by seeking advice.” (Proverbs 20:18, NIV)
God directs our steps through providential circumstances.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20, NIV)
Third, make sure the direction is from God.
Does it comply with the directions given in God’s written Word?
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule oversee.” (Psalm 119:133)
Does it make sense when you use sanctified reasoning that is based on God’s truth?
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
Does it seem to fit with the surrounding circumstances?
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11, NIV)
Does it concur with the advice you have received from wise godly counselors?
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)
Does it generate a supernatural inner peace and calmness that cannot be attributed to your circumstances?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, NIV)
You do not have to be able to answer “yes” to all of the preceding questions to confirm the direction as being from God. However, if you answer “no” to any of these questions, wait on God to give you more confirmation before taking action.
Fourth, trust God to guide you.
Believe God will give you the wisdom you need.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NIV)
Rely on God to show you the right way.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)
Expect God to confirm or redirect your steps.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV)
Discovering God’s will and discerning his direction is more dependent on your relationship with him than a process of steps. He wants to guide you. Stay close to him. Hear his words. Notice his signs. He will reveal his plan to you at the right time.