Navigating Big Decisions with Kingdom Wisdom
Life Lessons Learned
The question came over breakfast, but it could have been posed anywhere—in an office, on a walk, in a moment of prayerful silence. A businessman friend of mine leaned across the table and asked, “Dwight, how do I discern the will of God?” He had been offered a lucrative business opportunity that would mean a major life change, including a move overseas. It was a good offer—financially promising, professionally exciting—but the bigger issue loomed large: Is this God’s will for me?
That question resonates with many of us. Whether we’re making career moves, navigating relationships, deciding on ministry involvement, or simply wrestling with the pace of life, we all want to be in God’s will. But how do we know we’re on the right path? The answer isn’t a mystical voice from the clouds. Instead, discerning the will of God requires some honest reflection, wise counsel, and biblical grounding.
Let me share a few life lessons I’ve learned—and continue to learn—when seeking God’s direction.
Lesson 1: Start with God’s Desires, Not Yours
Jesus modeled this perfectly in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39b). That’s a challenging place to begin, especially when the decision at hand seems beneficial or urgent. But it’s essential. The will of God will never be found if we’re more concerned with preserving comfort than honoring Christ. I ask myself: Am I more interested in what I want or what God wants for me? It’s a clarifying question that often reveals my heart.
Lesson 2: Measure the Impact on Love
Will this decision help me love God more deeply and love others more freely? Jesus taught that love—real, self-giving, sacrificial love—is the hallmark of a disciple. If the path before me leads to greater love, it’s worth considering. If it fosters selfishness, distraction, or spiritual dullness, that’s a red flag. Mark 4:19 warns us of the “deceitfulness of wealth” and “desires for other things” that choke out the Word. But in verse 20, Jesus celebrates the person who bears fruit. Loving God and loving others leads to fruitfulness.
Lesson 3: Connect It to the Great Commission
How will this decision affect my involvement in Christ’s Great Commission? Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18–20 to make disciples isn’t just for missionaries—it’s for all of us. Every career, every location, every opportunity should be viewed through the lens of Kingdom impact. Does this choice open doors for gospel influence, or does it pull me into isolation or self-focus? That question alone can transform how we view job offers, neighborhood moves, or even hobbies.
Lesson 4: Seek Greater Holiness
Peter’s words in 1 Peter 1:14–16 are both convicting and hopeful: “Be holy, because I am holy.” God’s will is always wrapped in the call to holiness. If a decision compromises my integrity, dulls my conscience, or distracts me from spiritual growth, it is not of God. Holiness is not legalism—it’s alignment. It’s saying yes to what shapes us more into the likeness of Christ. Will this choice help me live a cleaner, more honest, more obedient life? That’s a question I never want to skip.
Lesson 5: Prioritize Knowing Christ Over Knowing Outcomes
In Philippians 3:7–8, Paul says he counts everything as loss “because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” That’s a staggering statement. What Paul teaches us is that discerning God’s will is less about mapping out the future and more about deepening our relationship with Christ. The more we know Him, the more attuned we are to His whisper. So rather than obsessing over the right job or city, I’m learning to ask, Will this draw me closer to Jesus? Because knowing Him is the point—not just knowing what to do next.
The Known Will Before the Unknown Will
Before we can discern God’s “unknown” will for our lives, we must be faithful in obeying His “known” will. Scripture makes this clear:
The Great Commandment—“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” (Matthew 22:37–38). This leads to obedience. Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me” (John 14:21). If I’m not already obeying what God has clearly revealed in His Word, why would I expect Him to reveal more?
The Great Commission—“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). This translates into a life of self-giving service. As 1 John 3:16 reminds us, we know love because Jesus laid down His life for us—and we ought to do the same for others. God’s will isn’t just personal; it’s missional. He invites us into His redemptive work.
So, I often pause and ask, Am I actively pursuing the known will of God right now? Because if I’m neglecting it, the unknown will likely remain just that—unknown. God doesn’t give step-by-step life plans to people who ignore His daily invitations to love, obey, and serve.
Practical Applications and Encouragement
Sometimes we overcomplicate God’s will. We wait for lightning bolts or emotional certainty. But more often, God’s guidance comes through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and Spirit-filled promptings. It requires humility and surrender. And yes, it takes time.
God’s will isn’t a secret treasure map but a journey of relationship. As we walk closely with Him—loving, serving, and growing—He aligns our desires with His. Decisions become clearer not because life gets simpler, but because our hearts are more attuned to His voice.
If you’re in a season of decision-making, take time to reflect. Ask the five questions above. Return to the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Lean into community. Wait on the Lord. And trust that the same God who saved you is more than capable of guiding you.
Blessing
May God bless you for seeking His will and learning life lessons along the way. Each step you take with Him, whether forward, paused, or redirected, brings you closer to your eternal home. May He give you peace in uncertainty, wisdom in the waiting, and joy in obedience as you continue your journey toward heaven.
Relevant Article:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-do-i-know-gods-will-for-my-life
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