5 ways to discern God’s will

The first thing you should be aware of is lightning bolts.

Being struck from heaven is always a sure sign you’re in the wrong. If you aren’t busy dodging lighting, then it’s safe to continue. Just kidding.

Now for the serious five. Keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list, but when all of these are working in conjunction with one other, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going in the right direction.

1. The Word of God
2. The voice of God
3. The fruit of your calling
4. The confirmation of your community

That’s pretty much it. These are the four ways I’ve discerned some of the heaviest decisions in my life, not to mention the most trivial. Let’s unpack them…

1) Your ultimate test is the Scriptures.

I know, I know…the Bible doesn’t always address the particulars of life (for example, if you should date that hot girl). But it doesn’t always need to; it gives us guiding principles. Romans 12:2 tells us that our minds are renewed by Biblical truths to such an extent that we are able to wisely discern what the will of God is in any given situation. The way the New Living Translation puts this verse is that the Scriptures change the way that we think! So our fundamental need is not to have particular answers, but to think differently.

2) God will speak to you

We don’t just want to manage life by reason alone. There are times when God will communicate to you by his Spirit. Sometimes it might be audible, or in a dream/vision, and still other times it is more of a subjective impression on your heart. I think this is part of the benefits of the prophetic gift of the Holy Spirit too. But it is in the constant place of prayer with God that this usually surfaces. And just as we practice prayer, we must also practice listening. You will probably mess this up at times. That’s ok. Keep listening, and practice the other four as well.

3) There will be fruit in your calling.

In other words, if I leave a good career direction in life to become an underwater basket-weaver, there should be some confirming signs along the way that I’m good at UBW. Whom God sends, he also equips.

4) We need a Christ-minded community to surround us

Even when the above three are present in a given situation, it is still possible for me to miss God through the lens of my own ambitions, insecurity, or fear. But mission happens best in community, because you are surrounded by others who know God’s Word, hear the Holy Spirit, and will not have the same blind spots as you do.

5) When all else fails, don’t trip.

All four of these elements were present in my decision to leave photography, and pursue a different calling. But it wasn’t overnight. This whole process took maybe 1.5 years, and I spent many nights struggling with God. Look at what the Lord said of Israel, when they began trusting in themselves,

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ – Isaiah 30:15-16

At the end of the day, you must be able to hang up your drama, and rest in the identity you have in God through Christ, rather than in a spectacular calling.

Have you been able to put Spirit-led decision making into practice? Would you add anything to this list?