We’ve all heard that voice in our phones, the one that says “You have 20 miles to your destination”.  And we know the patient tone of the word “recalculating” when we go off the beaten path because we know a better way.  Have you ever thought how similar that is to how God deals with us?  Students often ask how they can decipher the will of God, how they can make sound decisions.  Well, I propose God is a bit like navigation systems like iPhone Maps.

So how do we know God’s will?  First of all, it is important to understand that God has ONE will, not a billion different wills, a different one for each person.  God’s will is revealed to us in the Bible.  Micah 6:8 says “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”  Ecclesiastes 12:13 says “Fear God and keep his commandments”  There it is…as we make decisions and life choices, do that. God has given us a moral compass that helps us determine which way we should go. Go the way of morality, the way that is just, merciful, and humble.  Keep His commandments. It’s a bit like the initial map that your navigation system gives you…this is the best route, go this way. 

But what if the route takes you over gravel, and you just washed the car?  Or what if there’s an unexpected roadblock, and you know a route using a different highway?  What if we go our own way?  We do this all the time; we think we know better.  We take that dark blue route line and move it to our route. We personalize the route based on past experiences, our talents and abilities, or strengths and weaknesses, even our likes and dislikes.  Can’t you just hear God patiently say “Recalculating…”?

God is continually recalculating for us.  Remember our job is to live out Micah 6:8 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. He knew that we needed a certain past experience so that we would be prepared when our choices brought us to new territory.  He gave us our talents, abilities, likes, and dislikes to prepare us for the decisions we would have to make.  He expects us to use all this to always walk humbly. And according to His Word, he will recalculate the route for us. Romans 8:28 says He will work all things together (as long as we are living “called to His purpose”, as instructed in Micah and Ecclesiastes)…he will recalculate.

God doesn’t expect us to go it alone.  Just like you might need a travel buddy to help navigate, you have people in your life to help you make decisions, to see God’s will.  Talk it over with a sibling, a pastor, or even a parent.  Seek wise counsel is the basic message of Proverbs 19:20.

So how do we know God’s will?

1. Be immersed in His Word…know Micah, Ecclesiastes, Romans, Proverbs, etc., etc. His will for your life is there.
2. Use your past experiences, interests, abilities, strengths, weaknesses to navigate your future.
3. Seek the counsel of others. Ask them “What do you think I should do?”
4. Remember God will recalculate as needed.  Our job is to Fear God, and Keep His Commandments.

Do that.