How to Discern God’s Will for Your Life: 5 Biblical Steps

Mar 21

How to Discern God’s Will for Your Life: 5 Biblical Steps

Have you ever struggled with knowing what God has called you to do in this life?

Many of us wrestle with this question. What is God’s purpose for me? How do I know His will?

For years, I thought calling was just another word for career. In high school, I was convinced I would become a pediatric oncologist—helping others while securing a comfortable life. Surely, that had to be my calling, right?

Wrong.

God’s calling has less to do with career choices and more to do with a lifelong pursuit of His heart. When we fix our eyes on Him, His will starts to unfold before us.

Let’s break it down: Here are five biblical ways to discern God’s will for your life.

1. Live in Obedience to What You Already Know

God has already revealed His will in Scripture. Many of us seek answers for the future, but we haven’t yet followed what He’s already shown us in His Word.

Key verses to study:

Ephesians 5:15-20 – Walk wisely, be filled with the Spirit.
Luke 9:23 – Take up your cross and follow Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:11-18 – Live in purity, encourage others, pray continually.
Romans 12:1-21 – Offer your body as a living sacrifice to God.

The takeaway: If you want to know God’s will for tomorrow, start by living in obedience today.

2. Put God First in Every Decision

Ask yourself: Am I making decisions based on my own desires, or am I seeking to honor God?

Matthew 10:39 reminds us:
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

When we recognize that life isn’t about us, we start walking in alignment with God’s purpose. His calling is not just about our career path—it’s about how we reflect His heart in every choice we make.

The takeaway: When you put God first, He will direct your path.

3. Listen for God’s Voice Through Prayer

Prayer is more than talking—it’s listening.

John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

God is always speaking, but are we making time to hear Him?

How to tune in:

Set aside quiet time with God daily.
Pray and then be still—listen for His leading.
Keep a prayer journal to track how He speaks over time.

The takeaway: Clarity comes from seeking Him in prayer rather than trying to figure everything out on our own.

4. Seek Godly Counsel

Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

God often speaks through mentors, pastors, and godly friends. Wise counsel can help confirm what God is stirring in your heart.

The takeaway: Surround yourself with people who push you closer to God.

5. Consider Your God-Given Gifts

God designed you on purpose, for a purpose. Your unique skills and spiritual gifts play a role in how He calls you.

1 Peter 4:10 reminds us,
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace."

How to apply this:
Identify your God-given strengths.
Seek opportunities to use them for His glory.
Remember, your gifts are a key part of your calling.

BONUS TRUTH: Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). When you focus on serving Him, you’re walking in His will!

The Ultimate Calling: Knowing & Making Him Known

At the core of everything, God’s greatest will for your life is this:

To know Him. To love Him. To make His name known.

Friends, Jesus took on suffering, died on the cross, and rose again—so that we could experience the primary purpose of our existence:
To be in relationship with Him.
To live in His love.
To share His truth with a world that desperately needs Him.

Will you answer the call?