The Secret to Knowing God’s Will (and Making Great Decisions)

How can we know God's will? And how can we make biblical, wise decisions? I am convinced that there are more myths about how God speaks than any other biblical issue. This video is a recent talk I gave in a Biola chapel, which represents my best understanding of how God speaks today.

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[j.a.c.]

After 21 years of trying to figure out God’s will for my life, I had an epiphany. One early morning at around 2:AM. I was restless and seeking God, what came next was simple and liberating. His will for my life…….To know Him and to make Him known!

[lapetitemoma]

I commend you on the truth you just spoke. Being 69 years old, I only came to the same conclusion you have spoken about 15 years ago. Ever since then I no longer ask what his will is in my life. Can't be any happier and satisfied since. Being the best Christian I can be is my greatest challenge, no matter what I do. Sometimes I do well, and other times not so great. But thank God for his grace.

[Andy-gqhb]

I’ll tell you Sean, I do think I’ve heard God speak to me. In many times and many ways and I’ve seen each time produce amazing fruit. And I do think it’s 100% biblical.

But I would describe it more in terms of the indwelling Holy Spirit rather than introspection. There seems to me to be a sudden sense of clarity about certain things and like suddenly the Holy Spirit indicates to my soul that it is in alignment. I know a lot of people have this experience and we’re not crazy.

I think learning to participate not just physically in Christianity but spiritually is key. Jesus is often discerning things that are just under the surface or speaking prophetically. If we emulate Him or the disciples we have to ask how we actually do that. I have spoken prophetically, I don’t do it often and it was both specific and timely. And I really felt what I would call a sudden flash of insight and a sense of urgency about it.

I know it’s just one comment here and will get buried but if you aren’t pursuing Gods specific will for your life I think you are seriously missing a huge piece of your relationship with Him. Don’t give up on the miraculous just because it isn’t happening for you exactly the way it happens for others.

[kurtrrrro]

Sean, big fan of your content and I understand how the point of the message is not to be paralyzed and passively wait for God’s will to be completely displayed in order for decisions to be made, but I think there are a few things that could be said differently.
1. In the story of Gideon, I believe that even though THE point of the story in context is not for us to use see the fleece “approach” as the way to find God’s will, I think it can be ONE point the story reveals that God sometimes can reveal his will via signs we request.
2. In the story of Elijah I could have understood wrong, but the way you put it is that Elijah was a super character in the Bible (which I also believe he was unique), and because of that we won’t hear God as he did. I think the story in a way can be interpreted as the opposite. It shows exactly that God doesn’t necessarily speak in huge demonstrations of supernatural events, but that he does in simple forms such as a still small voice. We shouldn’t wait for massive signs to understand God’s will.
3. I think you could have used examples such as when Paul was serving at the church and while praying and fasting the Holy Spirit spoke to prophets and teachers in the church to reveal that Paul and Barnabas should be sent in missions. This highlights how the prayer and fasting, and listening to the community around can be a key aspect in sharing God’s will when decisions such as “should I move states or not?” or “should I marry this person or not?”

All the best! Overall great ending about God wanting us transformed at the end, but I think the message could have been more complete.

[welshie]

I was recently asked to return to a management job that I left 5 years ago, that I had loved, but it had also caused tremendous stress. I met different interviewing members 4 times and never felt good about it, but knew I was the best choice for the job. I felt I couldn't escape it. I asked God to close the door if it wouldn't be good for me, but if he kept it open, I would go even though I didn't want to. Unexpectedly, the current manager's new position elsewhere fell through and he remained in the position, closing the door for me. I was so happy! The manager got a refreshed deal and he's happier now, too!

[francoisvanderbank]

This is a very insightful sermon, and though I agree with much of what was said, classifying the first three "ways of hearing" God's will as "myths" is not helpful in my opinion. I would rather argue that we sometimes overcomplicate matters by overemphasising these "ways" instead of focusing on what God has already said. However, there is still something to be said for the experience of God directing us in personal ways through His Spirit whether it is through a still voice or peace in our heart after prayer and seeking Him. Of course, an open door isn't necessarily God leading us, but it can also be. I agree that we shouldn't overcomplicate or overspiritualise God speaking to us, but at the same time we believe (and pray) that God does also "order our steps" in personal ways.

[roncantrell]

These scriptures instruct us to quiet our hearts before the Lord - Psa 46:10, Psa 62:5, Hab. 2:20, Ecc. 5:1.
Dialing down the stimulation of the flesh in my experience has been on of the best ways for me to get in touch with the heart of God.

[disraelidemon]

As a non-believer I found this absolutely fascinating. Thank you.

[melaniemunien]

I heard the audible voice of GOD, HE SAID "DO NOT FEAR"...after that i NEVER had fear of anything, also i experience an inner voice telling me things which comes to pass, dreams visions all come to pass

I am currently praying for Ayyutholla Khaminei and all muslims to be touched by Jesus is impossible with my God

[nichetcher]

Sean, this is easily one of your best and my personal favorite messages you’ve given! Incredibly succinct and concise! Thank you!

[edithwillis]

I have had Holy Spirit speaking to me many times when I have asked Him questions.
And he has confirmed them through his word.

[justafryguy]

You shattered every way that I thought I was supposed to “discern” Gods will in my life these past 20 years…and it helped me understand why I struggled so much with making decisions…wondering what was Gods will for my life…I realize that what I need to do is pray, ask for Gods wisdom and read His word. Allowing Him to mold me more into His image in every way imaginable. Thank you!

[valchapman]

love how its not about me but what he wants to do in his people, so they may know that he is God

[eyesofblue]

This tells me God gives us free will. Best I’ve ever heard on this subject . Thank you from my heart.

[kellylundblad]

“To know God and to make Him known” was the YWAM motto when I was involved with them I 1993.

[ewencameron]

I like the way Sean doesn’t dumb things down and oversimplify but
he does bring clarity and understanding

[petrpolach]

There is much more to be said about this topic. Let's not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit who is "the comforter or the counselor" in us and we can and should cultivate our spiritual ears to listen to Him.

[kevingp]

Ive heard from God in many different forms.. an incredible sense of peace (this is not your everyday-type of peace), closed doors (literally impossible decisions, where Ive tried a dozen ways to do something and even nature intervenes etc), then Ive had visions, dreams, sermons, prophecy said to me, and finally him speaking directly to my soul, by which i can discern every word to a T, and I have writtek and documented these messages in a journal, and I share them with other brothers and sisters in christ, for his glory.

[MaryBethDeRoss-rrfm]

My dad, a very godly pastor, used to say, “love God and do whatever you want“. As long as we are loving God with all that that entails, we are free to choose whatever vocation, spouse, school, life plan etc., etc..

[dinerdude]

I feel the will of God for me now that I finally retired from his will to run my restaurant the past 38 years, to doing all I can do with the help of the Holy Spirit to make sure I will see my 5 children and 11 grandmunchkins in heaven!