So often our prayers focus on what we want and need from God, but how often do you ask what He wants and needs from you? How often do you seek His will instead of asking him to approve yours?

Following Christ is just that, following. It’s no longer taking the lead and calling the shots but following God’s lead - wherever it takes you. I know from experience that it can be challenging to discern the will God, but one beautiful thing about God is that He is always with you and available to help you. The Bible says when we seek Him with our whole heart we’ll find him (Jeremiah 29:13) and that He gives wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5). So if you’re unsure what God’s will is, ask Him. His plan for your life is specific and personal. If you’re not sure where to start or feel like you’re not receiving a clear answer then I encourage you to start with these three questions. These questions seem simple but they are effective because they lead you into the will of God.

1) What Am I Doing That You Want Me to Stop?

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

There are things that we know we shouldn’t be doing and often when I ask this question the Holy Spirit will convict me. Then there are times when He answers me with something I didn’t expect. The beauty of this question is that it won’t always be the thing you suspect. I often think God is going to call out sin I’m struggling with and often he does. But then there are times when He tells me to change my habits. For example: “Stop staying up so late.”, “Eating when you feel sad.”, or my personal favorite “Stalking that guy’s Instagram profile” (just being real).

God cares about every area of your life. He doesn’t want a relationship with you just to tell you not to sin. He cares that you’re healthy, getting rest, not harboring worry, and even enjoying life! Implement whatever He tells you, no matter how small it may seem. Through everything, He’s transforming you into the image of Christ, and there’s nothing small about that.

2) What Am I Not Doing That I Should Start?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

The previous question we covered is about getting off the wrong path. However, this question is to get you on the right path. In my experience, God’s answers to this question aren’t simply about correction, but direction. If we’re not careful we’ll miss God’s will because we never stopped long enough to ask Him if the good things we’re pursuing were actually His plan for our lives. Good doesn’t equal God. Neither does logical or easy. God’s ways are not our ways and what He asks us to do won’t always follow human logic. The key is to follow Him anyway. It’s easier to trust His leading when you know and trust His character.

3) What Do I Need to Submit to You?

There are times when I think I’ve let go of something, but in reality, I still had one finger on it ( just to check the pulse lol). There are things that I’ve truly laid down but after months or years of not seeing (what I perceive to be) progress, I pick them back up. The truth is, God calls us to give everything to Him. There will be things we know we need to let go of and things we don’t. God is gracious to help us in both scenarios. When it becomes difficult I remind myself what is true.

First, that God is faithful to do what He’s promised. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Your job isn’t to figure out how he’s going to do it or worry that it hasn’t happened. All you need to do is trust Him and be obedient to the process.

Second, that He gives good gifts (see verses James 1:17, Matthew 7:11, and Romans 8:32). He’s not asking you to submit that desire, job, relationship, or life-long dream to hurt you or make you miserable. It’s because it’s either not good for you right now, or not good for you at all. The truth is you don’t know if you’ll get back some of the things God calls you to let go of. But the bigger truth is that God’s will for your life is good. He made you and knows what’s best for you. Allow him to interrupt your self-imposed timeline, destroy the idols in your life, and change your desires to match His. When the time is right He’ll fulfill your needs and desires.

And Lastly, He’s for me. God is omniscient (all-knowing). He knows the beginning from the end and everything in between. He knows the true intentions of people and where your life will end up if you move to that city and take that job that seems like an answered prayer (but isn’t). Trust that He won’t lead you astray. He’s protecting you and always has your best interests in mind.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

The Key Is Listening

These questions are just a guide. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and as God answers, ask Him follow-up questions. Get specific and seek to understand exactly what He’s telling you. Prayer is a two-way conversation. Often, we miss out on the answers because we don’t give God a chance to respond. As you tell God what’s on your mind be sure to listen just as much (if not more) than you talk.

How have you learned to hear from God and know His will for your situation? Share an example below. Your story could help someone else!