To know God’s will, in any given circumstance, requires patience. Waiting for Him to speak and direct our path entails self-control and faith. But with patience we are made complete to the point of not lacking anything. What a promise! To be made perfect through trials and testings which serve to cultivate our patience, a facet of the fruit of the Spirit.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
But what if you need to know God’s will immediately? First, do you REALLY need an answer in the next minute, or is that your will? If you don’t require an instant message, pray and wait to hear from the Lord. If you DO need to act quickly, the grace of God will direct you and the discernment of the Holy Spirit will guide. Things will suddenly line up, come to you miraculously, doors will close (or open), or God will send somebody to help.
How do we know if something is God’s will? First, if something does not line up with the Word of God… it is NOT God’s will. Our heavenly Father will never encourage us to compromise our faith or sin. If it is a decision between one job and another, ask God to bless your decision and then close a door. If both doors are closed, something better lies ahead. If both doors remain open, pick one and trust God will bless you for seeking His face in the first place.
Can a person wait too long to hear from God? No, but there are some who hear His answer and do not like His reply, thus they wait and wait and wait some more. If we think a willful pause will change God’s mind, after we have received an answer, careful consideration of self-motives should occur.
“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” John 7:17 (NKJV)
“Do I want my will more than God’s will? Have I yielded my heart and do I trust God with my desires? Have I asked God to make His will my will and passion?”
Since God created each one of us with a unique purpose, He has also equipped us to accomplish that good work. Faith in this promise will carry us through times of uncertainty.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
If an opportunity has seemingly slipped by, it is possible God never had it in His master plan. And if the opportunity was ordained, God will guide us off our rabbit trail and direct us back to the proper destination. He is in control. He is sovereign and has unrestricted power. Even before our birth, He knew we would get off course, so He designed specific lessons for our rabbit trail. God is never surprised or caught off guard by our actions. He knows our weaknesses and works to build them into future strengths.
We may want specifics when it comes to following His will, but He allows us to make choices. If we are yielded to him, He has ways of preventing wrong choices. So, never be fearful about making a decision if you have laid it at His feet.
“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.  After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV)
God knows our heart and our desire to please Him.  He does not want His children walking around paralyzed with fear, anxious over making a “wrong” decision. James 4:6 assures us that God offers grace to the humble. If you are wrestling with a big decision, take comfort this promise and trust God will guide your steps.
“But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says:                                                                                                      ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (NKJV)
*Meditate on the following verses and pray over any decisions you need to make.
“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)
 ““Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”   Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:5-6 (NKJV)
“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27 (NKJV)