Luke 22:39-43, Psalm 37:1-7

Kunle Olabode
Kunle Olabode

A true Christian is one who renounces his/her own will and absolutely submits to the will of God. However, a common problem among believers is how to know the perfect will of God for their lives. The life of Jesus Christ on earth is a clear example of absolute conformity to the will of God (John 17:4).

God Has A Plan For Every Life

As human beings, we are incapable of planning our own lives especially since our plans may be selfish. However, there is a blue print for each life suitable for our personalities, talents, needs, potentials, and environments, etc. (Please see Jeremiah 10:23, Ephesians 2:10; Acts 22:14; Psalms 32:8).

God's plan for you as a person is detailed (Psalms 37:23) and is continuous (Isaiah 58:11). His will is spelt out in His word; it is perfect and best for every believer (Isaiah 30:21, Romans 12:12). As said earlier that God has a plan for every life, but there are conditions to be fulfilled in order for Him to guide a person into His plan for such a life. These conditions and His methods of guidance are explained below:

Conditions For Guidance

  • Trust in the Lord - Psalms 37:3; Psalms 32:8

  • Delight yourself in the Lord - Psalms 37:4 (this implies being eager and willing to know His will and obey it)

  • Commit your ways to the Lord - Psalms 37:5

  • Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him - Psalms 37:7

  • Surrender to the will of God - Romans 12:1-2

  • Complete separation from the world and every known sin - Romans 12:2

  • Be spiritually minded - Romans 12:2; Romans 8:7-8

His Methods Of Guidance

The way God reveals His will on a particular issue to the seeking individual is always amazing; God is Sovereign and does not work according to a set pattern or knowledge of man. Some of the ways God can guide a believer are listed below:

  • He guides through His word, because His word will never contradict His will

  • He sometimes reveals His will through opportunities, the counsel of elders, advice from godly friends, personal inclinations, the need of the day, as well as through a person's conscience

  • Inner conviction - Romans 8:16; John 16:13

  • Circumstances or providence - God, by circumstances, closes one door in order to open another

  • By vision e.g. Paul - Acts 16:9-10

God undoubtedly wants to hand over to you the master plan of your life. Therefore, wait patiently on Him as He unfolds His plan for your life. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.