Can you give me some guidelines for knowing the will of God? At times I have THOUGHT I knew His will, only to discover later that I was wrong.
Thank you Graceblest for your question.
This has been a big question among many Christians. I feel sometime that they expect God to tap them on the shoulder and tell them what He wants them to do. Of course, this is not true. Yes, God has a plan for our lives,
Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version)
11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
God's will is also good and perfect
Romans 12:2 (King James Version)
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
God also has ways to direct us in our lives to know his will. The first thing, of course is to read God's Word. The Bible is there for us to know what God expects of us. It is also there to know of the salvation offered to us through his son, Jesus Christ. God wants us to be saved.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (King James Version)
3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Prayer is also part of this equation. Prayer is a communication channel between us and our Lord. We need that channel to be frequent and open. A Christian also has the Holy Spirit to guide us
John 16:13a (King James Version)
13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;
God will also put godly people into our lives as he sees fit to help and guide us. This can be parents, teachers, pastors, and even strangers.
All-in-all, if we are following God's Word, submitting ourselves to the Holy Spirits leading and doing all we do to glorify God and extend the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be assured that we are in God's Will.
The Old Pathways
