Ask the Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 08/08/2007

God's Will For Me

            "How can I know God's will for my life?"

            Winkey Pratney said, "If you've never asked this question, you're probably not a Christian." Anyone who knows God desires to live according to His will and be guided by His Spirit. Following Christ is a great adventure into discovering who He is and where we fit in His plans.

            First, there is the general will of God, revealed in the Bible for all believers. It is God's will, that we are forgiven, saved, and growing in godliness. It is God's will that we love Him above all others, love others selflessly, and tell others about Christ. If we obey His general will, we will have less difficulty in finding His specific will for our lives.

            As a young Christian, I was taught the following principles of divine guidance, and I still find them helpful as I work through the bigger decisions of this life.

            First, PRAY about the thing you desire, and ask God to speak to you and guide you. Almost always this is a process requiring patience. Do not move forward until you have some sense of God's leading to proceed.

            Second, look in the BIBLE for guiding principles. For example, if you are a Christian, and want to know if you can marry a non-Christian, you can know with certainty that you should not. Christians are not to be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14). God's Word speaks for our good, so ask God for scriptures that speak to your circumstance.

            Third, seek the counsel of OTHERS (Prov 15:22). The more emotionally involved we are in the guidance we seek, the more we need an outside perspective. Seek out mature godly believers whom you admire, and ask their advice. They are not God's final guidance for you, but an important voice of objectivity.

            And finally, if you have followed the above principles, and have a PEACE that you can proceed in FAITH about the decision you are about to make (Acts 15:28) , then by all means, pleased do so!

            Before my wife and I became engaged, we followed these principles of guidance to a successful conclusion, became engaged, and later married. After 22 years of marital bliss, we are grateful for a faithful God who answers prayer, guides by His Word, and confirms through the counsel of others.

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)