Finding and Following the Will of God

Life is a series of decisions, and for a Christian, the most important question is always, "Am I living in obedience to the will of God?" Many perceive God’s will as something distant, a grand plan that will unfold in the future. However, the truth is that God's will is always present. What does He want you to do today?

The Bible declares in 1 Peter 4:1-2, "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." These verses remind us that Christ suffered for us so that we might live for Him. Our lives should not be governed by our own desires but by God's will. The central battle of life is between "the will of the Gentiles"—our old way of living—and "the will of God"—our new life in Christ. A Christian’s highest aim should be to live in a manner that pleases God, not themselves.

God’s Unique Plan for Every Believer

Regardless of who you are, God has a specific plan for your life. The early Christians Peter addressed needed this reminder, and so do we. One preacher expressed it this way: "The prime of life is any moment I am in the center of God’s will." As long as you have breath, God has a purpose for you. You are not an accident; your life is not meaningless.

The will of God is not merely about making the right choices—it is about having the right relationship. As Philippians 2:5 exhorts, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Knowing God's will begins with knowing God. The closer we walk with Christ, the clearer His direction becomes. Walking in obedience to God's will is not about waiting for a future revelation but about following Him step by step in our daily lives.

The Cost of Obedience to God’s Will

Following God's will is not always easy. In fact, it often entails suffering. Jesus suffered in the flesh, and as His followers, we should not be surprised if we also encounter trials. 1 Peter 4:1 instructs us to "arm ourselves" with the same mindset Christ had. This means we must be willing to endure hardship if it is part of God’s plan.

The greatest example of this is Christ Himself. He suffered and died so that we might live for God. As 1 Peter 3:18 states, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." If Jesus had to suffer to accomplish God's will, we should not be surprised when we face challenges. But suffering in the will of God is not purposeless; it refines us, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to Him. Romans 6:11 reinforces this truth: "Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." God never wastes our pain—He uses it to shape us into the image of Christ.

Two of the greatest tragedies in life are:

1. A lost person rejecting Christ’s sacrifice and going to hell.

2. A Christian rejecting God's will and missing their divine purpose.

Christ paid an immeasurable price so that we could walk in His will. To live for ourselves instead is a tragic mistake.

Discovering and Living in God's Will

The Bible provides clear guidance on how to follow God's will. The key is found in 1 Peter 4:1: "Arm yourselves with the same mind." We must think like Christ. His mindset was one of humility and obedience, as Philippians 2:8 reveals: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." The secret to victorious Christian living is summed up in one phrase: "Not my will, but thine, be done."

A Daily Commitment to Yield to God

Following God’s will is not a one-time decision—it is a daily commitment. The Bible repeatedly exhorts us to "yield" ourselves to God:

• Romans 6:13: "Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead."

• Romans 6:16: "To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are."

• Romans 6:19: "Even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."

  
  

If we truly desire to walk in God's will, we must surrender every aspect of our lives to Him. Instead of asking, "What is God's will for my life?" we should ask, "What is God doing in the world, and how can I align myself with His work?" Daily submission to His will brings lasting joy and fulfillment.

God’s Will is Revealed Through His Word

Many believers struggle with discerning God’s will. The answer is simple: look to the Scriptures. The Word of God reveals the mind of God. If we immerse ourselves in the Bible and obey its teachings, we will walk in His will.

Romans 12:2 provides a powerful promise: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The more our minds are conformed to Christ’s, the more we will understand and follow God’s plan.

Conclusion and Personal Action Steps

God’s will is not a mystery or a puzzle to be solved. It is a life of daily surrender, obedience, and faith. Christ has already paid the price for us to live in His will. The real question is, will we yield ourselves to Him?

There is no true success outside of God’s will, and there is no failure within it. No matter what trials we face, if we are walking in obedience to God, we are exactly where He wants us to be. Instead of chasing our own ambitions, let us embrace God’s greater purpose.

Here are some practical steps to help you follow through:

1. Spend time in the Word daily – Let Scripture shape your thoughts and decisions.

2. Pray for God’s guidance – Seek His direction and wisdom in every choice you make.

3. Obey in small things – Faithfulness in little matters prepares you for bigger steps of obedience.

4. Surround yourself with godly influences – Fellowship with those who encourage you to stay in God's will.

5. Trust God's timing – His will unfolds in His perfect way and at the right time.

Will you say yes to God's will today? One step of obedience today can lead to a lifetime of walking in His perfect plan.