Now let’s dive in — God’s will for our lives is probably one of the most talked about topics I’ve heard about. What is my purpose? How do I know what God has for me? What do I do next? What decision should I make? How can I know God’s will for my life?

Over the years, I have really put SO much pressure on myself to know EXACTLY what God was calling me to do in every situation – so big life choices like what college I would go, who should I date and not date, should I take this job were often (not always) a STRESSER. 

A few months before deciding where to go right out of high school, however, a teacher of mine gave me some words of WISDOM. 

He said that if I was not disobeying the Lord, the Lord wouldn’t bring consequences if I made the “wrong” life choice. If I knew the Lord gave me a DIRECT command of where to go, then I’m called to obey, but if He didn’t – there’s a GOOD chance He’s asking me to trust Him, let Him lead, and maybe He’s giving me the freedom to choose and obey Him wherever I go. 

When it comes to college, I ended up on a journey from Bible college to community college to a university, and in EVERY season I watched God move INCREDIBLY in my life and through my life. I wouldn’t change a single decision, but I’m confident if I had, God would have worked through me just as much if I was just as open to it. 

When it comes to relationships, I dated a few different people and each situation taught me SO much. I was actively seeking God in each of those places and even though I may have been trying to figure out God’s will intensely at the time, looking back I know that He was guiding me as I sought Him, even if I didnt end up with the people I dated. 

It gets TRICKY in the moment. I dont know if you can relate, but I have certainly — even within the past year — felt like the weight of my entire future was on my shoulders in one single decision. That if I missed God’s voice mistakenly I could end up at the point of no return. 

But friends we can take a deep sigh of relief and KNOW that is not the case

I truly believe that when we seek Him, He is faithful to guide us – even when we don’t have BLARING signs of where to go. He leads His sheep. He’s a good Shepherd. Maybe that following looks a bit like obeying Him in small things.

I’d love to share with you and read some verses I’ve LOVED when making BIG decisions that hopefully will be a comfort to you now or whenever a big decision is in front of you. 

Psalm 25:4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Insert Psalm 23 plug

So how do I know God’s will for my life? Seek God, pray, practically think about what is wisest (I’d be lying if I said I never made a pros and cons list!), maybe consider what may be better for your walk with God if that applies to this decision, seek counsel and then if you still feel confused or feel like you don’t have a direct answer – make the choice you want and trust that God will guide you if it’s not the right one. 

Let’s say the decision is not RIGHT in front of you but you just want to know what God has for you — what is His will for your life? Here’s a truth I live by. 

God has explicitly given us His will for us in His word. He’s given us ways to live, commandments to obey. He calls us to preach the gospel, to share the good news, to love our brothers and sisters in christ, to love our enemies, to flee sexual immorality, to walk humbly, to pray for our leaders, to not gossip or slander or cause division, to stand firm. And SO much more. We see it in the way Jesus lived and what God tells us all throughout this word. And It may seem silly because we want to know the BIG picture but friend I am firm believer that often the little pieces are what make up the big picture. When we do His will for our lives each day, when we follow Him closely each day wherever He goes and leads – He will GUIDE US and lead us to wherever we’re supposed to go. Sometimes it’ll be to chat with the grocery store cashier and other times it’ll be to speak to thousands at a conference. Walking with Christ is a day by day journey, even moment by moment. I have found that God has moved MOST in my life and used me MOST when I have surrendered every MOMENT to Him. 

Follow Him and let Him do the rest.