Discerning God's Will: Tangible And Pragmatic Ways

Discerning God's Will: Tangible and Pragmatic Ways

Introduction:

One of the most important aspects of the Christian faith is discerning the will of God. Many people struggle with the concept of discernment because they often do not know how to hear God's voice. It is important for us to know that God speaks to us in different ways, and it is our responsibility to learn how to recognize His voice. This sermon will explore tangible and pragmatic ways that we can discern God's will.

1. Prayer

The first and most important way to discern God's will is through prayer. Prayer is our communication with God, and it is through prayer that we can ask God to reveal His will to us. In the book of James 1:5, it is written that "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." This means that when we ask God for wisdom and guidance, He will give it to us.

Prayer is one of the most important practices in the life of a believer. It is a direct line of communication with God, through which we can express our thoughts, desires, and concerns, and seek guidance, strength, and wisdom from Him. Prayer is not just a ritual or a religious duty, but a powerful tool that enables us to experience a deeper relationship with God and align our lives with His will.

One of the primary purposes of prayer is to discern God's will. The Bible teaches us that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and that He desires to lead and guide us in the paths that He has set for us. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

However, discerning God's will can often be a challenging task, especially when we are faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances. In such situations, prayer becomes a critical tool for seeking God's direction and guidance.

So, how can we discern God's will through prayer? The following are some practical and tangible ways that we can apply in our daily lives:

a. Surrender to God's will: The first step in discerning God's will is to surrender our own will to His. We need to acknowledge that God's ways are higher than ours, and that He knows what is best for us. This requires humility and a willingness to submit ourselves to God's sovereignty. We should pray for the grace to accept whatever God's will may be, even if it does not align with our own desires.

b. Seek God's wisdom: The Bible tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). When we are facing difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances, we should pray for wisdom and discernment. We can ask God to help us see things from His perspective and to reveal His plan to us.

c. Listen for God's voice: Prayer is a two-way conversation, and it is important that we listen for God's voice as well as speak to Him. We can do this by spending time in silence and stillness, meditating on God's Word, and being open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. God may speak to us through His Word, through other people, or through a still, small voice within our hearts.

d. Seek confirmation: Sometimes, God may confirm His will to us through external circumstances or through the counsel of others. We should be open to seeking wise counsel and guidance from other believers, and we should pray for discernment to recognize when God is using external circumstances to guide us.

e. Trust in God's provision: When we are seeking God's will, it is important to trust that He will provide for us and guide us in the right direction. We can pray for faith and trust in God's goodness, knowing that He is always working for our ultimate good.

Prayer is a powerful tool for discerning God's will in our lives. By surrendering to God's will, seeking His wisdom, listening for His voice, seeking confirmation, and trusting in His provision, we can align our lives with His plan and purpose for us. As we cultivate a habit of prayer and seek God's will in all things, we can experience the peace and joy that come from living in His perfect will.

ii. Scripture

The second way to discern God's will is through Scripture. The Bible is the word of God, and it contains everything we need to know about God and His will for our lives. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it is written that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This means that the Bible is the ultimate guide for our lives and it is through studying and meditating on the scriptures that we can discern God's will.