How to Discern God's Will

By April Sliwak


      Recently I was in a conundrum about which direction to take the ministry that God has entrusted to me. This is a pretty big deal because as the leader, (and if you’re making decisions about which path to take, you’ll identify with this too), it’s a big responsibility. I don’t like to make conclusions on my own because then it’s just that, on my own. But when I reach out to God and I hear from him, he’ll show me the way and the plan will succeed. 

"Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. " Proverbs 16:3

   However, I wasn’t hearing from God like I usually do and the more time that passed the more opinions, suggestions and ideas I received. But where was God? I hadn’t received the confirmation that I needed to proceed. Confusion, doubt and fear started to set in and I knew these thoughts weren’t from the Lord because he is not a God of confusion but of confidence. This was spiritual warfare.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of confidence."
 1 Timothy 1:7

       I needed discernment without all the distractions and so I took some time to contemplate. These steps always work for me and encourage you to give them a try next time you’re looking for the path you should go:

Step 1: WITHDRAW
   I stepped away from everything for a while to fast and pray. Fasting helps me focus on Jesus and his will and praying opens me up to a word from him.

 Isaiah 66:18 says, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” I needed to get right with God by confessing regularly so he would hear my requests. 

Step 2: THE WORD
   The Bible is the purest form of discernment and direction for ministry, (and life). It’s unbiased, and its motive is for God’s glory.

Psalm 119:140 “Your word is very pure; Therefore, Your servant loves it.”. As much as I value opinions and vision, I rely on guidance from the Lord to reveal and confirm his will. God’s answers are for his purpose and glory. 

Step 3: WAIT
    I waited for an answer. Waited to hear from him with clarity and faith to receive blessing. Wait can be super hard but as decision makers, we have to wait for a word and it takes trust and patience. 


 Isaiah 30:18, “For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy; he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you. Indeed, the Lord is a just God; all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.” 

   
    I finally heard from God and this is what he said: “April, I chose you to do this work, what the heck are you confused about? My yes is yes! GO!” 

    That’s all I needed to hear. Encouragement and affirmation!

     So, any time we need to know for certain what God is calling us to do or an important decision to make, try these three steps and watch what God can do.

    What are you faced with today that these steps could be applied?

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