Last Updated on August 26, 2026
One of the main things I struggle with is knowing the will of God for my life.
When the decision is between right and wrong it’s not hard to know the answer. But when there are several good options or when the future is cloudy and I’m confused and frustrated, it is harder to discern the will of God.
Some time ago my husband came up with 10 questions to consider when trying to discern the will of God. They have helped me and I hope they will be helpful to you as well.
Questions to Ask When Searching for the Will of God
1. Am I in a right relationship with God?
If there is unconfessed sin in my life, it is a barrier between God and me. Our fellowship is broken. See Psalm 32:1-6, 66:18-20.
2. Do I want to know and do God’s will?
Jesus says that whoever is willing to do what God wants will know what it is. See John 7:17.
3. Have I asked God for wisdom?
God promises us sound judgment, but we must ask and keep on asking. See James 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:7.
4. Does the Bible speak to this decision in any way?
Some decisions have been clearly addressed in Scripture. God does not lead contrary to what He has already said in His Word.
5. Have I assembled and studied all the facts?
It is wise to list the pros and cons and ask, “What obligations do I already have that I must keep?”
6. Do I have deep inner conviction and peace about this?
Do I have peace and conviction about what is right? Paul says, “Anything which does not arise from conviction is sin.” See Romans 14:23 and Philippians 4:6-7.
Sometimes we must pray and fast regularly about a question before we receive peace from the Holy Spirit. God’s peace is deeper than the acceptance given by a casual world.
7. Have I sought the advice of mature believers who know me well?
Others will not always be right, but if three or four mature believers agree, their opinions must be seriously considered. Always ask others to pray for you as well as advise you.
8. Will this help me to better love God and my neighbor?
This is the most important goal in life. If something hinders this goal, we must carefully examine the problem. See Matthew 22:37-39.
9. Is this my decision to make?
I may be worrying about something that will eventually be decided by someone else.
10. Do I have to decide now or can it wait?
Often we worry needlessly about decisions that are not really pressing. Sometimes they go away.
Sometimes when I ask God for guidance, He doesn’t answer immediately. Often I’m not yet ready for the answer. I need to stop struggling to know His will and simply seek to know Him.
In His time and in His way He will reveal His will to me. My primary job is simply to get to know Him better, to open my heart to whatever He would teach me in a time of waiting.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3
Key Bible Verses About the Will of God
Here are some key scriptures from God’s Word specifically on God’s will and how you can discern the will of God for your own life.
1. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
3. Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
4. Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
5. Matthew 6:31-33 – “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
6. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
7. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
8. Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Meditate on these verses from God’s Word, prioritize prayer, and trust that God is using the waiting and the unknowns to draw you closer to Him.
Read These Next:
How to Know When God is Bringing You Into a New Season
Disappointed? Don’t Be God Has a Plan
Fear Is Not My Future: Trusting God Through Anxiety and Motherhood
Editor’s note: 10 Questions to Ask When Trying to Discern the Will of God was first published by Susan Yates here on MomLife Today on February 27, 2015.
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