By Warren and Ruth Myers
Veteran Navigator Staff

As young Christians and long before we met, Warren a college student in California, and Ruth a high schooler in Minnesota, we struggled against the idea of giving our lives totally to God. For Warren the issue was his career. He had always dreamed of being an engineer, studying for an MBA, and getting rich, and he had suspicions that if he let God “get His sticky fingers” into this area of his life, He might have other ideas. For Ruth it was a broader issue, the gnawing fear that she would miss out on real living if she became “a dedicated Christian.”

Why were we resisting God? Because we doubted His goodness. We were listening to Satan’s basic lie about God, the lie he first suggested in the Garden of Eden: God wants to deprive you of good things. You’ll miss the best if you obey Him.

How wrong we were! We want to share with you some of the truths we were overlooking, truths God has taught us over the years, and some helpful principles in finding His will in decisions you face—whether that is who to marry, what job to take, etc. Through times of pain and times of pleasure, we have learned that God has our best interests at heart. God is infinitely good beyond all our minds can grasp.

In that goodness, He has given us His reliable and true Word. Within His Word, we already have a large part of the guidance we need. But beyond this, God wants us to know His specific will for each of our lives. Sometimes knowing God’s will is simple as we grow in our knowledge of His Word and obey His commands. Other times, we must put in time and effort to find out what the Lord wants.

When you want to find God’s will for a decision you face, especially a major one, the following principles can help you discover God’s good, well-pleasing, and perfect will.

For some years we have used this checklist with great profit. In major decisions such as getting engaged and going overseas as missionaries, we have gone over it in detail. Sometimes for several months we have kept a running record of light the Holy Spirit has given through these points, then prayerfully reviewed it as the time of decision approached. Other times we go over the list more rapidly.

You may or may not use all the points, but check them all in case He wants to give you light through it. Sometimes He gives us one or two thousand-watt lights. At other times He gives many fifty-watt ones that make us equally sure of His leading. If we come to yellow or red lights, we evaluate further and generally wait for clarification.

In emotionally loaded issues, try to give greater weight to the more objective principles. Don’t rely heavily on peace or verses that “jump out at you” or personal desires and feelings.

To use this list effectively, we suggest that you work through it and record the light the Lord gives as you consider the principles and questions. Arrange your information like the example below. Include insights or verses He gives you, facts that may affect your decision, and any questions that come to mind. The Lord God is eager to guide you, and He will!

PRINCIPLES IN FINDING GOD’S WILL

Lordship – Am I willing to do God’s will, whatever it may be? Am I truly willing for God to lead me in any direction, even one I may not want, or one I fear? Have I given the Lord the “driver’s seat” of my life? This is the indispensable foundation for finding His will.

• Romans 12:1-2
• Luke 9:23

God’s Word – What principles, commands, or prohibitions from the Scriptures apply? Has He given me any motivating verses or promises on the subject?

• John 8:31-32
• Psalm 119:130,105

Prayer – Have I prayed adequately about this? As I pray about the principles on this checklist, do I have continued freedom in prayer, or lack of it, about any specific possibility or particular area?

• Philippians 4:6
• James 1:5

My God-given priorities, gifts, and calling – What gifts and abilities has God given me, and how does He want me to use these to accomplish His purposes in the world? What course of action is most in line with the long-range inclinations He has built into me?

• Acts 20:24
• Romans 12
• Matthew 28:18-20
• I Corinthians 10:31-33
• I Corinthians 12

The Holy Spirit’s continued inner promptings – Does He motivate me toward or away from a particular course of action?

• Psalm 143:10
• Galatians 5:16
• Romans 8:14

Godly counsel – What is the prayerful counsel of someone who knows me and is somewhat familiar with the situation? Am I avoiding or disregarding counsel that I should consider? What about parental counsel, especially if I am not yet of age?

• Proverbs 19:20
• Proverbs 15:22

Providential circumstances – Has God arranged events to point clearly in one direction? If I am facing obstacles, are they from God to stop me? Or are they satanic hindrances to be overcome by faith?

• Revelation 3:7-8
• Philippians 1:12-14
• Romans 8:28

Common sense plus personal insights and desires – What does common sense tell me? What are my feelings and desires – and those of people close to me who will be affected by this decision? Which of these factors seem to be from God? Which seem to be temptations to make a wrong or second-best choice?

• Psalm 37:4
• I John 2:15-16

Peace – Do I have continued inner peace as I consider these principles in prayer? Or do I experience restlessness, impatience, or inner conflict?

• Colossians 3:15
• I John 3:21-22

Timing – What is God’s mind about the when of this decision? Are my emotions pressing me to rush too fast? Or to hold back too long before stepping out – perhaps through fear, or by waiting too long for conclusive evidence?

• Psalm 27:14
• Lamentations 3:25
• 2 Corinthians 8:11

Faith – Does God want me to step out or halt by faith – trusting Him to overrule if I make a sincere mistake, and to take care of all the consequences to myself and others by doing His will?

• Psalm 37:5
• Proverbs 3:5-6