God’s perfect will is His ideal plan for each of our lives. It encompasses every decision, goal, relationship and circumstance. God desires an intimate relationship with us and for us to glorify Him with our lives. As we seek to align our will with His perfect will, we experience the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).
The Bible teaches that God has a specific plan for each of our lives. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God’s perfect will includes who we should marry, where we should live, what job we should have, etc. God promises guidance to those who seek His will: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).
God’s perfect will cannot be thwarted. In Isaiah 46:10, God declares, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Yet, He has given us free will, so we do not always follow His perfect plan. Sin can derail us from God’s best intentions for our lives. When we miss God’s perfect will, we usually experience negative consequences and unfulfillment. But God can redeem poor decisions and put us back on the right path.
How can we discern God’s perfect will? The Bible exhorts us to “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). Several principles help reveal God’s will:
- Renew your mind with Scripture (Romans 12:2). The Bible equips us for God’s will.
- Pray for wisdom and direction (James 1:5). God promises to lead those who seek Him.
- Listen to godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22). Wise Christians can provide insight.
- Consider your abilities and desires. God guides us in ways that use our gifts.
- Look for God’s peace about decisions (Colossians 3:15). Peace confirms we are in God’s will.
- Take steps of faith. As we obey God’s moral will, He shows us His perfect will.
These principles help us align with God’s purpose and calling. However, His perfect will remains mysterious. We only know in part (1 Corinthians 13:12). Spiritual maturity enables greater understanding of God’s will. As we walk in the Spirit, we gain wisdom and insight into His plans (Romans 8:14). God often reveals His will progressively, as we seek Him step-by-step.
What is included in God’s perfect will? Every aspect of life – big decisions and small choices. Following areas are key parts of His intentional plan for our lives:
1. Our Redemption
Most importantly, God wills for us to know Christ as Savior. 1 Timothy 2:4 states, “[God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” God planned redemption before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5). He desires all people to repent and trust in Christ (2 Peter 3:9). Have you experienced God’s greatest purpose – salvation through faith in Jesus?
2. Christlikeness
God wills for every believer to become like Jesus. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). His perfect plan includes forming His character in us through the Holy Spirit. As we obey His Word, God molds us into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our holiness and obedience bring glory to God.
3. Spiritual Growth
In addition, God purposes for us to grow spiritually and bear fruit. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Experiencing life in the Spirit, studying the Bible, using our gifts, and fellowshiping with believers enable growth. God wills for us to steward our faith well and develop spiritual maturity.
4. Good Works
We are also called to do good works God prepared for us. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). As we walk in God’s perfect will, we impact lives for His glory. He calls every believer to fulfill a unique purpose – serving God and others.
5. Life Decisions
In addition, God’s perfect plan includes the details of life. David wrote, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23). God wills for us to make wise decisions about school, careers, ministry, relationships, etc. He promises to lead those who follow Him wholeheartedly.
6. Our Thought Life
God also cares about our thought life. 1 Peter 4:7 instructs, “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” God desires us to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8). Our thought patterns profoundly impact our actions and attitudes. As we think God’s thoughts, we experience His perfect will.
7. Using Our Gifts
Using spiritual gifts is another part of God’s plan for believers. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). God distributes unique abilities to each Christian for the building up of the church. Stewarding our giftings well glorifies God.
8. Life Circumstances
In God’s sovereignty, He ordains circumstances as well as decisions. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). God uses trials and blessings to shape us for His purposes. As we submit to His lordship, we align with His will in all situations.
Discerning and following God’s perfect will results in immense blessings. We experience His presence, power and favor when we walk in His purposes. However, because of our limited perspective, God’s will remains challenging to grasp fully. We won’t have complete understanding until reaching heaven: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully” (1 Corinthians 13:12). For now, we must trust the goodness of God’s plans, believing He orders our steps perfectly as we commit our way to Him daily.