• Home
  • About
  • Books
  • One Word
    • One Word
    • Shop One Word Cards
  • Cousin Camp
  • Speaking
  • Audio
  • Blog
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Susan Alexander Yates

Susan Alexander Yates

Wisdom for Every Season

  • Character
  • Faith
  • Family
  • Seasons
  • Marriage
  • Parenting
  • Cousin Camp
  • Ask Susan

Ten Questions To Ask When Seeking To Discern God’s Will

by Susan Alexander Yates

No matter what season of life I happen to be in, I often struggle with trying to discern what God wants me to do.

When the decision is between right and wrong it’s not hard to know the answer. But when there are several good options or when the future is cloudy, it can be confusing and difficult to discern God’s will.

Some time ago my husband John came up with 10 questions to consider when trying to discern God’s will. They have helped me and I hope they will be helpful to you as well.

I often struggle with trying to discern what God wants me to do. These ten questions have helped me and I hope they will be helpful to you as well.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

1. Am I in a right relationship with God?

If there is unconfessed sin in my life, it is a barrier between God and me. Our fellowship is broken. Psalms 32:1-6, 66: 18-20.

2. Do I want to know and do God’s will?

Jesus says that whoever is willing to do what God wants will know what it is. John 7:17

3. Have I asked God for wisdom?

God promises us sound judgment, but we must ask and keep on asking. James 1:5, 2 Timothy 1:7

4. Does the Bible speak to this decision in any way?

Some decisions have been clearly addressed in Scripture. God does not lead contrary to what He has already said in His word.

5. Have I assembled and studied all the facts?

It is wise to list the pros and cons and ask, “What obligations do I already have that I must keep?”

6. Do I have deep inner conviction and peace about this?

Do I have peace and conviction about what is right? Paul says, “Anything which does not arise from conviction is sin.” Romans 14:23, Philippians 4:6-7.

Sometimes we must pray and fast regularly about a question before we receive God’s peace. God’s peace is deeper than the acceptance given by a casual world.

7. Have I sought the advice of mature believers who know know me well?

Others will not always be right, but if three or four mature believers agree, their opinions must be seriously considered. Always ask others to pray for you as well as advise you.

8. Will this help me to better love God and my neighbor?

This is the most important goal in life. If something hinders this goal, we must carefully examine the problem. Matthew 22:37-39.

I often struggle with trying to discern what God wants me to do. These ten questions have helped me and I hope they will be helpful to you as well.

Photo by Jace & Afsoon on Unsplash

9. Is this my decision to make?

I may be worrying about something that will eventually be decided by someone else.

10. Do I have to decide now or can it wait?

Often we worry needlessly about decisions that are not really pressing Sometimes they go away.

Sometimes when I ask for guidance God doesn’t answer immediately. Often I’m not yet ready for the answer. I need to stop struggling to know His will and simply seek to know Him. In His time and in His way He will reveal His will to me. My primary job is simply to get to know Him better, to open my heart to whatever He would teach me in a time of waiting.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Originally Posted on MomLife Today

Save this post on Pinterest:

I often struggle with trying to discern what God wants me to do. These ten questions have helped me and I hope they will be helpful to you as well.

Share156
Pin100
Tweet
Email
Print
256Shares
Share156
Share
Pin100
Text
256Shares

You may also enjoy...

Character, Faith
January 16, 2019 · Leave a Comment

« Ask Susan: How to Help Your Children with Their Strengths and Weaknesses
Ask Susan: Help for a Critical Spirit in Marriage »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello, I’m Susan.

Susan Alexander Yates

I’m a wife (of 50 years), mom to five children (including a set of twins), and grandmother to 21 (including a set of quadruplets!). My favorite time of the year is when all my kids and grandkids are together for a week of “cousins and family camp” in the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia.

Read more…

Recent Posts

  • Ask Susan: A New Vision for Your Christmas
  • Affordable Gifts to Delight and Encourage Your Loved Ones
  • Warning: Beware the Slippery Slope of an Affair
  • How to Prepare Your Heart for Joyful Holidays with Family
  • Pray for This Priceless Gift for Your Kids

One Word

One Word: Sufficient

Featured Books

And Then I Had Kids: Encouragement for Mothers of Young Children

And Then I Had Kids: Encouragement for Mothers of Young Children
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Audible.com
And Then I Had Kids: Encouragement for Mothers of Young Children
Buy now!

Character Matters: Raising Kids With Values That Last

Character Matters: Raising Kids With Values That Last
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Character Matters: Raising Kids With Values That Last
Buy now!
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Index

Search

Character Matters: Raising Kids With Values That Last

Character Matters: Raising Kids With Values That Last
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Character Matters: Raising Kids With Values That Last
Buy now!

Popular

  • You are the Parent, Not Your Child: How to Discipline
  • Even on a Romantic Vacation, I Can Be Selfish
  • Celebrating 50 Years: How to Make a Marriage Last

Instagram post 2196886116091886327_3081923412 Do you feel in need of a new vision for Christmas this year? Sometimes I've felt that way in the past -- it's the same thing, year after year; the same story, the same celebrations. Sometimes we need to pray for God to show us new things through the Christmas story. Link in profile!
Instagram post 2195979085359024323_3081923412 Founder “...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12: 1-2 You are the author of my faith. You began it, Father. It is yours. I ask you to be perfecting it. Thank you that even this isn't up to me. My part is to fix my eyes on you and let you do your work within me. @jessblanchardstudio @christenbyates
Instagram post 2195423039316108507_3081923412 What a fun dinner out with the clergy wives of St Phillips, Charleston and a wonderful time speaking at their church!
Instagram post 2192400656046785923_3081923412 TODAY is the last day of our holiday sale! Use HOLIDAY20 at check out for 20% off our One Word cards! @christenbyates @jessblanchardstudio
Instagram post 2191731576344360547_3081923412 Are you looking for gift ideas this Christmas season? I wanted to share some recommendations; hoping this helps you find just the right gift for someone in your life. I love to give books that I’ve enjoyed, and I’ve got a list of those for you, plus some fun family games. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful! Link in bio!
Instagram post 2190929671254722781_3081923412 Oil of Joy “Therefore your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." Hebrews 1:9 Father, you choose to anoint your children with the oil of gladness. I ask you to anoint ______ with gladness and joy today. @christenbyates @jessblanchardstudio
Instagram post 2190244153127022753_3081923412 HOLIDAY SALE! Use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off your entire order now through Dec 7! And check out our latest series of One Words! Link in bio
Instagram post 2187164433514729648_3081923412 Kindness “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of words done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Sprit." Titus 3: 4-5 It's so easy for me to focus on my unworthiness, but today I want to focus on your kindness - your loving kindness which is always reaching out towards me. Help me to notice and receive your kindnesses today. @jessblanchardstudio @christenbyates
Instagram post 2183139986646400923_3081923412 Announcing Our One Word Card Holiday Sale! 20% off your entire order, now through December 7th with code HOLIDAY20 EXCITING NEWS: We've just released a brand new set, Kindness, with all new art, words and prayers! Link in bio! @jessblanchardstudio @christenbyates

Copyright © 2019 · Susan Alexander Yates · All Rights Reserved
Calligraphy by Jessica Blanchard · Paintings by Christen Yates
Blog and Ask Susan Photo by Natalie Puls Photography · Books Photo by Cambria Elizabeth

256Shares
256Shares
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkayPrivacy Policy