The Christian Girl Chat

I’m in my twenties, and like many young adults, I’ve wrestled with the daunting question: What is God’s will for my life? But as I’ve grown closer to the Lord, this question has become less consuming—not because I suddenly know every detail of God’s plan, but because I’ve learned to trust that I don’t need to orchestrate it all. God is capable of using even my missteps and mistakes to create a masterpiece I could never design on my own.

When I first started posing this question to God in my prayers, I felt like I needed specific answers for every decision. I thought I couldn’t move forward unless I knew exactly what God wanted. While it’s important to invite the Holy Spirit into our choices, I’ve realized that being so afraid of making the wrong decision that you become paralyzed is not God’s will, though, I’ve definitely been there.

There were times I pleaded with God for clear direction, only to find my mind running in circles, frustrated when I didn’t receive the specific answer I wanted. Sometimes, God has spoken clearly. Other times, He hasn’t revealed all the details. In those moments, I’ve had to rely on Scripture, prayer, the wisdom He’s given me, and ultimately, trust in Him to make the best decision I can. I’ve learned that even when I’m sincerely following Jesus, I’ll make mistakes—but I can trust that He will redirect me to the path He has for me. I don’t have to know every step in advance.

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. – Deuteronomy 29:29

Our craving for specific answers is often rooted in the culture around us. We live in an age where we pursue more and more information—from health trends to theories about the origins of the universe. We’re taught that knowledge equals power, and while information is valuable, an obsession with clarity can lead to inaction. Sometimes, we’re so focused on finding out what God wants us to do that we forget to actually live how God wants us to live. So instead of constantly seeking specific details, maybe we should ask the question in a new way: What has God already revealed about His will for all of us?

These verses offer some insight:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

• God’s will is that we have joy at all times, remain in constant community with Him through prayer, and keep a heart posture of gratitude through good and bad circumstances. These things aren’t always easy, but it is not by our own strength that this is God’s will; it is His will for us through the power of Jesus Christ.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

• Here, we see that God’s will is for His people to pursue holiness. Self-control—especially in the area of sexual purity—is a key part of honoring God with our bodies. Sexual sin not only affects our relationship with God, but also impacts others.

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. – 1 Peter 2:15

• God’s will is for us to do good in the presence of those who do not follow Christ. Through our good works, people who criticize, oppose or misunderstand the Gospel can see that our words and faith are backed by action.

What is the common theme in all of this?

In a world that seems to be full of anger, greed, lust, and confusion, these verses call us to be joyful in life, to be content and thankful for what we have in any and every situation, to stay self-controlled in a culture that promotes impulsive action, and to do good when it’s easier to do wrong. And the way to do that is by seeking to know Jesus more deeply.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

God’s will is found not just in a specific plan, but in a transformed mind and a surrendered heart. We can live set apart lives by allowing the truth of Jesus Christ to change how we think. As we live out these general principles, the specific details will begin to unfold—because He is already directing your steps.

• 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 heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9
• But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
• Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105
• For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

It’s absolutely okay to ask God for specific guidance—but it’s equally important to be at peace when He doesn’t reveal everything. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6) and say, “Your will be done,” we’re acknowledging that His will is better, higher, and wiser than ours.

A Prayer of Surrender to God’s Will:

Lord Jesus, I want to know your specific will, but it’s not always revealed to me. Make your will known to me in your timing and provide me with the wisdom to make Godly decisions in the meantime. I believe that you are leading me through this life, so I can trust you are guiding me on your path for me. My desires don’t always line up with your plan, so I ask that you humble me and align my heart’s desires with your will. If something isn’t in your will, I don’t need it and I don’t want it. But if it is in your will, absolutely nothing (no person, no circumstance, no demon, etc.) can stop it from happening. Where I lack trust in your plans, help me to depend fully on you. Let your will be done in this world and in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.