A misconception Christians have is that God has a specific will for each individual. Since God does not speak audible to most of us, this assumption can lead to confusion or anger with God because of lack of clear direction. I believe we can always know that we are in God’s will. The Bible never speaks of following an individual will. We are free to use our gifts and pursue desires of our heart, where we think we can make the greatest contribution in our current circumstances.
The Bible does speak of following God’s moral will for God desires we avoid heartbreaks and hardships due to immoral choices. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Following God’s moral directions will put you on the right path. The Bible suggests a believer not marry an unbeliever; otherwise, which God will the children follow? (2 Cor 6:14-16) The Bible never advises there is only one man a woman must discover to marry to be in God’s will. In fact, Paul teaches individuals to make a wise decision whether to marry based on their circumstances at that time. Paul does not condemn whichever choice is made. (I Cor 7)
God communicated to Moses through a burning bush. Paul knew whose voice he heard on the road toDamascus. You won’t be guessing if God is speaking to you. Those who suggest God speaks to them today do not claim God always speaks to them in every situation. There are countless instances in the Bible of decisions being made without being directly advised by God. In the Bible God never held one accountable for not doing His will when not spoken to.
One belief suggesting God has a specific will for one’s life is that God’s foreknowledge includes knowing the future. God though can be all-knowing and not know the future, if the future is not knowable. God is everywhere in the universe at the same time, so His knowledge is unimaginably extensive. God with unlimited power does not loss control though the future is open. The Bible implies God interacts with a world where there is genuine freedom. People are free to love or not love. An open future gives more integrity to the concept of freedom. An open view of the future suggests many godly paths can be chosen while still remaining entirely within God’s will.
It may be asking too much for the reader to accept that an all-powerful God does not know the future before it happens. If it is suggested God knows what is going to happen in the future ahead of time, this doesn’t mean God has predetermined our future choices or there is a specific script for individuals. God can simply know what decisions we are going to make and there does not have to be one predetermined direction we must take. There can be many avenues we can travel to accomplish God’s will in our lives. God is far more creative and able than we give Him credit for.
We do not have to be looking for some bulls-eye. We know God’s moral will. Regarding amoral decisions God accomplishes His will in whatever we do. Does a parent only approve or love their child if they pursue a certain type of career? We are free to dream and pursue the desires of our heart. What is the wisest path to choose at this time in life based on past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations? Consult with others. Attempt great things for God and leave the outcome in His hands. God’s will is accomplished by doing all the good we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as we can. Many “Godly” paths can be chosen while still remaining entirely within God’s will. You just can’t go wrong with a desire to love God. When you stumble morally, God will lift you up.
What God May Really Be Like - Misbeliefs About God 