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5 STEPS TO FINDING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE

February 17, 2017 By Sarah Christmyer 5 Comments

When I was a kid, we had no problem making choices. We went with our gut, and if someone disagreed, we “shot it out” with Rock, Paper, Scissors or we tossed a coin, then threw ourselves into whatever it was.

Somewhere along the line, things got complicated. We read “Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood” and learned that a choice can define a life. Wanting to do God’s will, we began to agonizing over those choices.

What is the will of God for my life, and how can I find it?

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Image source: Pixabay

 

Sometimes I wonder if we’re meant to get as worked up about “life choices” as we do. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not unto men,” St. Paul told the Colossians in 3:23, clearly more interested in the how than the what.

The fact is, we already know what the will of God is:

  • Your holiness: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3; “sanctification” refers to growth in holiness).
  • Your right actions: “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
  • Your thankful heart: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
  • Your love of Him and others: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind… [and] You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). This “expresses his entire will,” according to Catechism no. 2822.

Fulfilling what we do know to be God’s will for us ought to be our top priority. Beyond that, he has given you free will and he has told you his purpose for you:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide” (John 15:16)

Each of us has God-given talents and abilities, a unique background and circumstances. We are to be responsible stewards of those gifts, so we can “go and bear fruit” in his love. And to help us do that, we have a conscience and the ability to reason.

We also have free will.

Part of being human is making choices, even when it’s hard. In doing so, we learn to follow God and hear his voice. We grow in faith. And although God shows us the goal and provides signposts along the way, long stretches of our path may lie in darkness.

That’s where the trust comes in.

5 Practical Steps in the Right Direction

Maybe you’ve heard it said, “God can’t steer a ship that’s not moving.” There’s truth to that. So, how do you start moving? Here are five ways to get started:

1. Persevere

Finish what you’ve already been given to do. If you can’t see where to go next, you may not be done where you are.

2. Pray

Seek God and commit your way to him (see Psalm 37:5). Cultivate the attitude of Jesus — “Not my will, but thine be done.”

3. Discern

Consider the pros and cons before you, the situation, the likely outcomes. Where can you best use your gifts? If you feel God’s leading: are you paying attention? Seek counsel from trusted advisors.

4. Evaluate

Rule out those things that are against Scripture or Church teaching, that cause harm or require sin, that act against your chosen vocation.

5. Navigate

Now make your best choice, staying attentive to his voice and moving where you have inner peace.

Perhaps St. Augustine said it best:

“Love God and [then] do what you will…. In all things, let the root of love be within, for of this root can nothing spring but what is good.”

 

©2014 Sarah Christmyer.

This post originally appeared on BibleStudyforCatholics.com.

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Filed Under: Discipleship Tagged With: God's will

Comments

  1. Hank says

    February 17, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    Surrender we must to the will of God. “Thy will be done” has resonated with me for quite some time. Each day I say the “Our Father,” at daily mass, during Liturgy of the Hours and several other times throughout my daily routine. That one line “Thy will be done” seems to come out louder than the rest. I’m doing my best to surrender to His will, not mine. Thank you Sarah for your latest post.
    Peace
    Hank

  2. Barbara Gilligan says

    February 18, 2017 at 11:36 am

    These are great insights. The graphic of the doors is very powerful for me. There is plenty to consider, especially as Lent approaches. Am I following God’s will? Which door have I entered?
    Thank you, Sarah.

  3. Caroline O'Halloran says

    February 20, 2017 at 8:01 am

    I have long struggled with my purpose (as a journalist) and how to better align my gifts/talents with my faith. I have only recently come to believe that my work is answering God’s call, albeit in a small way. Your Five Practical Steps and your reference to “long stretches in darkness” certainly resonated with me! Thank you, Sarah

  4. Leslie says

    March 11, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    I had never heard the saying “God can’t steer a ship that is not moving.” but that message came at a very pivotal moment in recent decision. Thanks Sarah!

  5. Maria Francesca says

    April 20, 2017 at 10:02 am

    Loved this article especially as i was at crossroads.
    Reading the 5 steps offered great guidance to me as i was able to make my decision.
    Thnx Sarah and may God richly bless you!

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Sarah Christmyer writes and speaks about Scripture and the Catholic faith with the goal of helping people meet Jesus in his Word. “The Bible isn’t just a book about God or instructions for a good life; it’s a place to meet God and be changed by him,” she says. Her love of Scripture fuels her writing of Bible studies and related books; her teaching of Philadelphia seminarians; her speaking at conferences and retreats; and writing for blogs such as this one. “Come Into the Word” draws people into the Bible and encourages and equips them to explore it on their own.

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