Skip to main content
Periwinkle, also known as Vinca, in the Bahamas. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.
Daily Devotion

How to Know God’s Will

When you spend consistent time in the Word and authentic prayer, the Holy Spirit will enable you to discern His will.

Proverbs 3:5-6

It can be easy to fool ourselves into believing that what we want to do is also what God wants us to do. When we believe we’ve heard from the Lord, it is important to ask ourselves some questions: 

  • Is the message I heard consistent with God’s Word? The Lord will never tell you to do anything that goes against His Word. If you feel prompted to do something contrary to Scripture, you can be certain that it is not of the Lord.

  • Can I confidently ask God to enable me to do this? If you are feeling uneasy about requesting God’s help, that may be a sign the direction did not originate with Him.

  • Is it wise? The heavenly Father never calls believers to act foolishly. If there is no discernible purpose in the action, you may need to question whether the message was from Him.

  • Does it fit with my identity in Christ? As God’s child, you are being conformed to the likeness of Christ. If you feel led to do something that is inconsistent with the character of Jesus, then you can be sure God hasn’t called you to do it.

The Lord is with you, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling you to hear His voice and perceive His guidance for your life (John 14:26). Before rushing into action, ask Him to guide you to make good decisions.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 76-78