How Do I Know God's Will for My Life?
Understanding God’s will is something most believers have wrestled with at some point (maybe even right now). We want to live in obedience. We want to walk in the Spirit. And we want our lives to matter for the Kingdom. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). We understand that seeking God’s will is vital, but when it comes to navigating life’s transitions, personal decisions, relationships, careers, or callings, it can be hard to know exactly what that will is.
The good news? God is not hiding his will from us. In fact, he wants us to live in alignment with it. While knowing his will may not always come easily or immediately, there are clear principles found in scripture to help guide us as we ask, “How do I know God’s will for my life?”
God's Will for All People
Before we dive into the personal aspects of God’s will, we should start with what he desires for everyone. There are some truths in scripture that apply to all people, regardless of age, background, or situation. If something we’re considering goes against one of these principles, we can be confident it is not the will of God.
Salvation
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
First and foremost in the will of God is that we be saved. Scripture tells us that he wants all to experience salvation. God’s will is not hidden here — it’s crystal clear. He wants everyone to repent of sin, to be baptized in the name of Jesus, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He wants us to walk in the newness of life found only in him.
Avoiding Sin
“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him. 1 ”
God’s will is that we live in a way that reflects his love — and that means steering away from sin. But avoiding sin isn’t just about following rules. It’s about living in a way that honors God and shows love to others. When we truly love God, we’ll want to do what pleases him. And when we love others, we’ll avoid the kinds of actions that cause harm or create division. If a choice leads us into compromise or sin, we can know with certainty that it’s not God’s will.
Doing Good Works
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. ”
We are called not just to avoid sin, but to actively do good. That might look like serving others, being kind when it’s hard, or standing up for what’s right. These everyday choices matter. Doing good isn’t about earning God’s favor—it’s a response to his love and a way to reflect his character. When we choose to do good, we walk in step with his purpose.
Personal Transformation
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
God’s will isn’t just about what we do. It’s about who we’re becoming. He wants to transform us from the inside out, shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to reflect his heart. This kind of change doesn’t happen overnight, but as we follow him, we begin to see growth. We stop thinking like the world and start thinking more like Christ.
How Do I Know God's Will for MY Life?
Still, there are moments when we don’t need general direction — we need specific answers. Should I take this job? Move to this city? Pursue this calling? In these times, God’s will isn’t always written in black and white. So, how do we begin to discern it? Let’s walk through a few key steps.
Approach God in Prayer
Prayer is always the first step. If we want to know God's will, we must ask him. Spend time improving your prayer life, not only speaking but also listening. Allow his Spirit to lead you and make your heart sensitive to his voice. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God... and it will be given him.” The more time you spend in his presence, the more you’ll begin to recognize his direction.
Study Scripture
God has already spoken through his Word, and often, the guidance we need is already written there. When you're unsure what God wants, start searching the scriptures. Use tools like Bible apps or even a simple Google search — “scriptures about peace,” “verses about decision-making,” etc. As you read with an open heart, you may find that a certain passage speaks directly to your situation.
Seek Spiritual Advice
You weren’t meant to walk this path alone. God often speaks to us through others, especially trusted spiritual leaders, mentors, or fellow believers who are grounded in faith. Proverbs 11:14 tells us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, prayer, or perspective from those who know you and know God.
Examine Yourself
Sometimes the thing standing between us and God’s will... is us. Before making a major decision, pause to examine your heart. Are your motives pure? Are you holding on to pride, fear, or past mistakes? A heart that is humble, repentant, and surrendered is more likely to hear the whisper of God. Let Psalm 139:23-24 be your prayer: “Search me, O God… and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Watch and Listen for God's Leading
Asking “How do I know God’s will for my life?” is one of the most sincere and important questions a believer can ask. Thankfully, our God isn’t a God of confusion. When we genuinely seek him, he responds. It may not always be immediate, but he will lead. Sometimes it’s through open or closed doors, a confirming statement from a friend, a strong sense of peace, or a spiritual prompting you can’t ignore.
Be patient. Be expectant. And remember Jesus' promise:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”