Biblical Decision Making

How to Know God's Will

Six biblical steps for real decisions. A 6 minute read.

The Short Answer

Most of God's will is not hidden. He has already told you most of what He wants in Scripture. For the rest, He gives you wisdom, wise people and a renewed mind, and He promises to direct your steps as you walk.

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Ephesians 5:17, NIV)

Paul would not command you to understand God's will if it were impossible to know.

What the Bible Means by "God's Will"

It helps to separate two things.

What God has already revealed. Some of God's will is stated plainly:

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Honesty, generosity, faithfulness in marriage, care for the poor, forgiveness. You do not need to pray about whether to obey these. You need to obey them.

The specific choices Scripture does not name. Which job, which hire, which city, which school. Christians describe how God guides these in different ways. Some expect a clear inner leading. Others emphasize choosing wisely within God's commands and trusting Him with the result. Both agree that God guides His people, and that He never leads anyone to do what His Word forbids.

Six Steps for a Biblical Decision

1. Start with what God has already said.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

Before you ask what God wants, ask what He has already said. If an option requires dishonesty, broken promises or neglecting your family, you have your answer. Scripture rules options out long before it rules one in.

2. Ask God for wisdom, and expect it.

"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." (James 1:5, NIV)

Pray specifically. Name the decision, the options and the deadline. God does not scold you for not knowing. He invites you to ask.

3. Check your heart.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is" (Romans 12:2, NIV).

Ask why you want what you want. Fear, pride, ambition and the desire to please people all disguise themselves as guidance. A renewed mind learns to tell the difference.

4. Seek wise counsel.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)

Choose two or three mature believers who know you and do not benefit from your decision. Give them the whole picture, including what you are afraid of. Listen most carefully to the one who says what you did not want to hear.

5. Weigh the circumstances.

God opens and closes doors. Paul planned to preach in Asia and Bithynia, and the way was closed both times before God called him to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). Circumstances do not override Scripture, but they are part of how God guides. Notice what is opening, what keeps closing, and what you have the ability and resources to do.

6. Decide, and trust God with your steps.

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." (Proverbs 16:9, NIV)

At some point waiting for more certainty becomes its own form of disobedience. Make the faithful choice in front of you, then trust God to establish your steps and correct your course if needed.

The Promise Underneath It All

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

You are not responsible for seeing the whole road. You are responsible for trusting the One who does, and taking the next faithful step. Read the full explanation in Proverbs 3:5-6 Meaning.

Common Questions

What if I make the wrong choice? If you have sought God honestly, obeyed what He has said and chosen wisely, you have not stepped outside His care. God works through imperfect decisions made in faith.

Should I wait for a sign? God has given signs, and Christians differ on how often He does today. But Scripture never makes waiting for one the normal path. Wisdom, Scripture, counsel and prayer are. If you are waiting for a sign to avoid an obvious step of obedience, the waiting is the problem.

How long should I pray before deciding? Long enough to have honestly done steps one through five. For most decisions that is days or weeks, not years.

Go Deeper

• Hired Hands Don't Sleep Well: Proverbs 1 to 3 and trusting God in every detail of life
• Bible Verses for Leaders, grouped by where you lead
• What Is Biblical Stewardship?