Discerning the will of God

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HopeinHim98

HopeinHim98

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Mar 16, 2023
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#1
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
 
JonathanBentley

JonathanBentley

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You won't lose your salvation if it's not sin, let's get that out of the way. Then you have to pray for clear feelings that are obvious. God is not the author of confusion. Better to listen than to speak though. The holy spirit dwells in us and can speak though feelings but you could try tongues and interpretation to just find out for sure. I ask for prophecy just to walk to the store because of wild dogs in the area. So don't feel like God couldn't care for everyday concerns.
 
2ndTimeIsTheCharm

2ndTimeIsTheCharm

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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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I've been in situations where I felt no peace and God didn't explain or tell me anything about it. Until MUCH later. I didn't understand why He didn't explain anything until much later, but what I learned from that is that He wanted me to exercise my trust in Him to a much greater degree.

I was in a situation where there was something I wanted that I asked God about. But strangely enough, He remained silent on the matter, which to me was strange because He would often reveal His will and explanation somehow within a decent amount of time. But for this request, He never said "Yes", but he also never said "No" or even "Wait". Just nothing.

So because the Lord was silent on the matter, I held off on any actions. And this went on for YEARS. Yes, I kept asking Him periodically about my request through out that time

I just found out something recently and it made me feel quite relieved that I didn't just go ahead of God. I can see that the answer is a definite "NO". That uneasy, no-peace feeling I was getting was the Lord protecting me and refining my obedience to Him at the same time.

So if you don't have peace about something, but God isn't telling you anything, then don't go through with it. It may be that God is trying to help you trust Him more and listen to Him better. But don't assume He said "No", it can turn out to be a "Yes" or a "Wait" after all. Just inquire of Him about whatever it is and wait patiently for the answer even if takes a while. His timing is always on time.

❧
 
HopeinHim98

HopeinHim98

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2ndTimeIsTheCharm said:
I've been in situations where I felt no peace and God didn't explain or tell me anything about it. Until MUCH later. I didn't understand why He didn't explain anything until much later, but what I learned from that is that He wanted me to exercise my trust in Him to a much greater degree.

I was in a situation where there was something I wanted that I asked God about. But strangely enough, He remained silent on the matter, which to me was strange because He would often reveal His will and explanation somehow within a decent amount of time. But for this request, He never said "Yes", but he also never said "No" or even "Wait". Just nothing.

So because the Lord was silent on the matter, I held off on any actions. And this went on for YEARS. Yes, I kept asking Him periodically about my request through out that time

I just found out something recently and it made me feel quite relieved that I didn't just go ahead of God. I can see that the answer is a definite "NO". That uneasy, no-peace feeling I was getting was the Lord protecting me and refining my obedience to Him at the same time.

So if you don't have peace about something, but God isn't telling you anything, then don't go through with it. It may be that God is trying to help you trust Him more and listen to Him better. But don't assume He said "No", it can turn out to be a "Yes" or a "Wait" after all. Just inquire of Him about whatever it is and wait patiently for the answer even if takes a while. His timing is always on time.

❧
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Thank you. Yes sometimes I can't quite put my finger on what it is that is bothering me. Sometimes when I'm not sure I ask Him for confirmation, and then He sends it and it's so clear I just can't go ahead.
 
N

Niki7

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#5
HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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No. Charting our way through life with feelings is not what a Christian is led by. Feelings are not stable.

A lack of peace is not a feeling in the way we understand 'feelings'., I would definitely pay attention if I was not at peace...our God given Christ centered peace and pray about what is going on. Jesus said He would give us peace that is not like the world gives.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

The best way and really the only way, to come to this place of peace is to center our life on Christ. From Him, we can be assured we will not be led down the wrong path. Faith and trust are the operative words for our relationship with Him. On the other hand, I think we should pay attention to feelings that seem out of place. Those can be a warning that something is off.
 
Cameron143

Cameron143

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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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Any conscientious Christian wants to please God and wonders from time to time if their life is actually pleasing God. So a couple of things that might help:

1. There are verses in the Bible that clearly teach things that are the will of God. Just Google those verses and practice them.

2. We should expect that God is already actually leading us the way He wants us to go. That's what shepherds do for sheep. It's also the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6.

3. Sometimes decisions seem like they need to be made quickly, but seldom is that really true. Usually it's just God seeing if we have learned to wait on Him.

4. Emotions are good at identifying problems. They are not very good at solving them. Don't follow your emotions. Follow God's word.
 
HopeinHim98

HopeinHim98

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Mar 16, 2023
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Cameron143 said:
Any conscientious Christian wants to please God and wonders from time to time if their life is actually pleasing God. So a couple of things that might help:

1. There are verses in the Bible that clearly teach things that are the will of God. Just Google those verses and practice them.

2. We should expect that God is already actually leading us the way He wants us to go. That's what shepherds do for sheep. It's also the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6.

3. Sometimes decisions seem like they need to be made quickly, but seldom is that really true. Usually it's just God seeing if we have learned to wait on Him.

4. Emotions are good at identifying problems. They are not very good at solving them. Don't follow your emotions. Follow God's word.
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Amen and thanks for that.
 
E

erinla

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Apr 16, 2023
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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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I'm assuming you pray in these situations because that's how we interact with God. How often are you reading his word? You used the right word. Discern. The Bible can't cover every single topic but just by reading it regularly you can discern or tell how God feels about something even if it's not mentioned exactly in the Bible directly just by seeing how God interacts with people in general. The most important thing is always to put your relationship with God first and not allow anything to interupt that. Matthew 6:33. And what is it that makes you feel like you can't have peace about it, if, like you said there isn't anything against it?
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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Jul 2, 2011
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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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There have been times when God's will overcame me by the Holy Spirit. Those times were events I had previously not had any thought of, and I was guided and when necessary, I would open my mouth and speak, only to realize later somethign of wonder had occurred.

As for knowing God's will before any thing in question, no, this is not the case usually, however a petitio for blssing and guidance concerning any deed or even may be smiled upon by Him. Pray and act in faith, and always know ahead of time that His will is perfect even when we do not understand it.
 
MsMediator

MsMediator

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Mar 8, 2022
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I think go with your gut feeling. Your gut feeling, which is influenced by having a bond with Christ, is aligned with what you feel is right/correct.
 
Y

Yaacov

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Mar 22, 2023
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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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Adonai:
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Instance of the use of such faith by one of my ancestors:
So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said
Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.

And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.

And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of the true and living God be magnified.
Lord Jesus comes soon.
 
J

jb

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Feb 27, 2010
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#12
HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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You can find a bit of a study on this Here...
 
Y

Yaacov

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Mar 22, 2023
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jb said:
You can find a bit of a study on this Here...
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Truly, there is no authority greater than Lord Jesus of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of the true and living God.
The commandment regarding receiving the things of the Kingdom is this:

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of the true and living God, be magnified.
The Lord Jesus Christ comes soon.
 
JaumeJ

JaumeJ

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Jul 2, 2011
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#14
HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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Another teaching to consider, anything we do without faith in doing is a sin.......... so, if you are not absolutely certain it is a sin.
 
Y

Yaacov

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Mar 22, 2023
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JaumeJ said:
Another teaching to consider, anything we do without faith in doing is a sin.......... so, if you are not absolutely certain it is a sin.
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Truly - what judgement do you speak of?
And - please, if you would - what act of faithlessness do you speak of?
 
J

John146

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Jan 13, 2016
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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
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The will of God for us is found in scripture. Read, study, and apply…you will be in God’s will.
 
SilverFox7

SilverFox7

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Dec 24, 2022
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#17
2ndTimeIsTheCharm said:
I've been in situations where I felt no peace and God didn't explain or tell me anything about it. Until MUCH later. I didn't understand why He didn't explain anything until much later, but what I learned from that is that He wanted me to exercise my trust in Him to a much greater degree.
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Our "quick fix" society doesn't help matters either. We expect instant answers and results, but that's not the way it works with our Christian journey. I was always puzzled in the past, too, on why God didn't give me concrete answers to my prayers, especially when I desired to do His will. As you noted, we need to trust Him and know that we are headed in the right direction. Sometimes, it can take years to see how the puzzle is all fitting together, making us into the children and mature Christians God desires us to become.
 
Y

Yaacov

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Mar 22, 2023
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John146 said:
The will of God for us is found in scripture. Read, study, and apply…you will be in God’s will.
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Truly - what scripture have I shared that is not from the Lord?
And how knowest thou that His Majesty's servant does not read, study, and apply.
The law is "by the witness of two or three" that we convict.

Your righteous reproof is welcomed.
The Lord be magnified.
 
SilverFox7

SilverFox7

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#19
Cameron143 said:
Emotions are good at identifying problems. They are not very good at solving them. Don't follow your emotions. Follow God's word.
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Our emotions and intuition can help us determine if circumstances are going as they should within God's will, but we certainly need to be firmly grounded in the Word of God and use it as the foundation for our lives in Christ.
 
Nehemiah6

Nehemiah6

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HopeinHim98 said:
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God?
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The will of God is plainly revealed in Scripture. Everything which glorifies God and Christ, propagates the Gospel, promotes the Kingdom of God, edifies the saints, and blesses others regardless of who they are, and is done in obedience and service to Him is the will of God.

The acid test is given in 1 John 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

So whatever promotes or satisfies those three lusts is against the will of the Father. Those are also the three lusts which brought down Eve in the Garden of Eden.
 
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