After I began serving Christ, one of my big questions has been, how do I know if something is God’s will? Of course after studying the scriptures, you always know it is God’s will to walk in love and obey the commandments of Jesus Christ.
What about situations that are not specifically outlined in God’s word? Whether or not you should take that job opportunity, or buy a new car? What school to attend or where to live? Romans 8:14 says “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Here are 6 scriptural guideposts to knowing you are in the will of God:
1. Peace: I sincerely believe this is the #1 way you know you are in the will of God. Scripture encourages you to you to remain in peace: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, Col 3:15
That word RULE means final judge or umpire. When discussing the decision, do you have peace, or an unrest in your spirit? At our wedding, My husband said he had an abundance of supernatural peace. That throughout our entire engagement, he KNEW inside and had PEACE, God called us into Holy Matrimony. I had the same supernatural KNOWING/PEACE inside too.
2. Anointing of Grace (Ease): You will have a supernatural anointing of Grace or Ease concerning what you believe you are supposed to do. The Holy Spirit’s anointing will be all over it! An example of this, is me writing this blog. I know many people who don’t like to read, not to mention write! However, I have always enjoyed reading and writing. It is “easy” for me and I do not mind doing the work associated with it. Same with teaching, I like to teach, it comes natural to me. When I write and teach, especially on Biblical subjects, I actually sense peace, grace and joy. Which is evident of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
I remember years ago getting a second job someone because I needed the money. The first day of my new job, I kept having awful confusion and had a hard time doing simple tasks. Meanwhile, almost all the sales at my first job mysteriously dried up! The second job was full of easy tasks, but I could not stand to go to work. In desperation, I prayed asking the Lord what was wrong. He immediately spoke to my spirit “I did not tell you to get a second job.” When I put in my two weeks notice, peace returned and sales at my first job started coming back in. The scriptures say “God is not the author of confusion, but of PEACE.” 1 Cor 14:33
3. Supernatural Favor: You will have favor! When I am doing something, buying something or hanging out with people, I look for favor. Do I have favor here or do I feel like I don’t belong? If I ever sense I am in the wrong place, I get out fast!
I currently teach a few group fitness classes a week. The original place I wanted to teach, when I went to apply, I did not have peace. So I backed off. Then I tried another gym and again, I did not bother to move forward because I had zero peace. Then the very gym I was avoiding, I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit wanting me to move forward. During my audition at this gym, I had favor, peace and joy. I still enjoy working there and have no desire to leave!
4. Door of Opportunity: No need to bust down a door! You always need to do the work
associated with whatever God is calling you to do, but doors will open supernaturally.God puts in your path people or situations that allow a door of opportunity to help you get you to where you need to be!
5. Does not go against God’s word: If you have to lie, steal, manipulate, or do anything that goes against God’s word to get what you want, then you are NOT in the will of God.
6. The outcome will produce good fruit. Think about the outcome of the situation if you move in the direction you believe God is calling you in. Would the new job bear good fruit? Would buying that new car bear good fruit or instead be a financial burden later? I encourage you to pray over ALL situations in your life, asking Him for wisdom. If the wisdom (decision) is from Him, it will produce what James 3:17 says: “But the wisdom from above is PURE, then PEACEABLE, GENTLE, REASONABLE, full of MERCY and GOOD FRUITS, unwavering, without hypocrisy!”