Knowing the will of God for our lives is a huge priority for many of us. We may be able to avoid many pitfalls and struggles if we can walk in God’s will. How are we to know what this is?
Knowing God is key to knowing how He operates. It is vital that we read His word to know His character and His ways. Satan would like us to believe that God is not good and that He is not present, or that He doesn’t notice us. But the truth is, God is a very present Father. Deuteronomy 3:16 tells us that God will never leave us or forsake us. His word also tells us in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change. He is present and He is good.
God also tells us in His word that He has good plans for us. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He has good plans for our future, plans to prosper us. He has made a way for us to have a life of hope and not evil. Knowing this can keep us aligned with truth, which defeats the lies of the enemy over us. We must guard our hearts and thoughts so that we will stay in this agreement.
As we pray and declare in alignment with these truths, we begin to have the heart of God for our lives. In Daniel 9, we see that Daniel was praying God’s will for his life and for the people. First, Daniel approached God by acknowledging God’s character. In verse 4 Daniel declares, “Oh Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and extends lovingkindness toward those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Daniel knew the power and character of God. Daniel then repents for the sins of the people, who had been rebellious and wicked. This is an important key. If we are in sin, it hinders are ability to hear God clearly. Daniel knew it was important to be in right standing with God when asking for Him to move. Once Daniel repented on their behalf, he began to petition (request) God for favor and help. He appealed to God’s great mercy and love, and asked God for what was on his heart.
As we read the word of God, we can use it as a plumb line to determine if our desires align with His will and character. Once we do this, we can pray that not our will be done, but God’s will be done. Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:10. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We must pray and believe that we are aligned with His Kingdom and His will, and then stand in faith to see it come to pass. As we align with Him, God will partner with us to accomplish His will in us and in the earth realm.