Ephesians 5:15-17 — See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

You might remember that I do some online witnessing through GMO Volunteers. (See http://www.globalmediaoutreach.com). It is really easy to do something that just might have an eternal impact. Respond to emails from people who want to know more about Jesus — maybe provide some spiritual mentoring — as much or as little time as you have available.
The reason I mention it is that I got a message today from someone I’m starting to disciple asking how to know the will of God. “It’s so hard” he said …
Is knowing the will of God really hard? I really don’t think so. I do think that we’ve somehow formed the odd idea that the way to know the will of God is to keep asking Him for special communications. What a strange idea!
Now I don’t deny that sometimes God does speak specially, in answer to prayer or to communicate something. But there are three far more usual ways by which we can know the will of God.
First, consider the circumstances in which you find yourself and the opportunities that present themselves. It is God who manages our lives and He is not a trickster — very often what happens is a pointer to His intentions.
Second, be advised by godly counselors. They are in your life for a reason. Proverbs 15:22 tells us “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, read the Bible. Here’s just a few verses to start with:
— In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
— For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
— For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (1 Peter 2:15)
These are just a few that explicitly mention God’s will. Or consider these, that provide a framework for our life, which if we observe will surely ensure we are in His will:
— He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
— If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
In truth, the Bible provides both a general guide to the will of God and specific answers to many of our questions.
To claim we do not know, or cannot discern, the will of God is — in the end — a denial of His provision for us!