Navigating Life's Decisions: Understanding God's Will

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Will Is Findable, Best, and Recoverable

God’s will for your life is not a hidden, impossible-to-hit target, but rather a clear and gracious path with boundaries and freedom, like a football field. Within those boundaries, you are free to make wise, godly decisions, and even if you step out of bounds or make a mistake, God’s will is recoverable—He is always ready to forgive, restore, and guide you back to His best. You don’t have to live in fear of missing a single “bullseye” moment; instead, trust that God’s will is accessible, good, and able to redeem your missteps as you seek Him. [42:18]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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.

Reflection: Where in your life have you been paralyzed by fear of making the “wrong” decision? How can you trust God’s grace to guide and restore you as you move forward in faith today?

Day 2: The Bible Reveals God’s Will

God’s Word is the primary and most trustworthy guide for discerning His will, providing both direct commands and guiding principles for every decision. The Bible is perfect, trustworthy, and rewarding, giving wisdom to the simple and warning us away from harm; when you align your choices with Scripture, you can be confident you are walking in God’s revealed will. Before you seek other sources, always ask: does this decision align with what God has already said in His Word? [01:00:24]

Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV)
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Reflection: Is there a decision you’re facing where you’ve been tempted to make an exception for yourself, even though you know what the Bible says? What would it look like to trust and obey God’s Word in that area today?

Day 3: Prayer Brings Peace and Guidance

Prayer is not just about presenting your requests to God, but about wrestling with Him, seeking His heart, and being open to His direction—even when it’s different from your own desires. When you bring your anxieties and decisions to God in prayer, He promises a peace that guards your heart and mind, and He will guide you through His Spirit, His Word, and the circumstances He orchestrates. True prayer is a conversation where you listen for God’s will, not just ask for your own. [01:03:19]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: When was the last time you truly wrestled with God in prayer over a decision, asking for His will above your own? What is one step you can take today to make your prayers more about listening than just asking?

Day 4: Seek Godly Counsel for Wise Decisions

God often speaks through the wisdom of others, especially those who are mature in faith and willing to tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Wise counsel from godly people—pastors, parents, mentors, and church family—can help you see blind spots, avoid foolish choices, and confirm God’s direction for your life. Don’t isolate yourself or only seek advice from peers who may tell you what you want to hear; instead, humbly invite the input of those who love you and walk closely with Jesus. [01:09:48]

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Reflection: Who are the godly people in your life that you can turn to for honest, biblical counsel? Is there a decision you need to bring to them this week for their wisdom and perspective?

Day 5: God Shapes Your Desires and Opens Doors

When you delight yourself in the Lord and align your heart with Him, He shapes your desires to match His will, and He opens doors for you to walk in His best. God’s will is not meant to make you miserable; as you seek Him, your desires and opportunities will increasingly reflect His purposes, and you can move forward with confidence when your desires, godly counsel, and open doors all align with Scripture and prayer. Trust that God is able to guide your steps and that He delights in giving you good gifts as you follow Him. [01:13:03]

Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God shaping your desires as you seek Him? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God is opening the right doors and aligning your heart with His?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of major decisions—about relationships, careers, family, and more—and it’s natural to want to know and follow God’s will in each of these areas. Many people imagine God’s will as a tiny bullseye, easy to miss and hard to find, but Scripture paints a different picture. God’s will is more like a football field: there are clear boundaries, but within those boundaries, there is freedom to move, to make choices, and to grow. God’s will is not meant to paralyze us with fear of making a single wrong move; rather, it is findable, it is best for us, and it is recoverable even when we make mistakes.

Romans 12:1-2 reminds us that, in view of God’s mercy, we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, allowing the gospel to transform us so that we can discern and test what God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will is. God is not hiding His will from us; He wants us to know it and walk in it. Even when we step out of bounds, God’s grace allows us to recover and return to His best for our lives.

To help navigate life’s big decisions, there are five biblical questions to ask: First, what does the Bible say? God’s Word gives us clear boundaries—His revealed will—about what is right and wrong, and also provides principles to guide us in areas where there isn’t a direct command. Second, have I really prayed about it? Prayer is not just about asking God to bless our plans, but about wrestling with Him, seeking His heart, and being open to His direction. Third, what do the godliest people I know think? Wise counsel from those who love God and love us is invaluable, especially from those who will tell us the truth even when it’s hard to hear. Fourth, what do I want to do? When our desires are shaped by God’s Word, prayer, and godly counsel, they often align with God’s will for us. Finally, what doors are open? Sometimes God’s guidance comes through the opportunities He provides or withholds.

When these five areas line up, we can move forward with confidence, trusting that we are walking in God’s will. And even if we’ve made mistakes, God’s grace is sufficient to restore us and lead us forward. God’s will is not a trap—it is a path to blessing, for us and for those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s will is not a tiny, elusive target but a spacious field with clear boundaries. Within those boundaries, there is freedom to make wise, godly decisions. This perspective frees us from the fear of missing out on God’s best with a single misstep and encourages us to walk confidently, knowing that God’s will is both accessible and graciously recoverable. [42:18]
2. The foundation for discerning God’s will is always Scripture. God’s revealed will in the Bible provides both direct commands and guiding principles. When faced with a decision, the first and most important question is whether it aligns with God’s Word—if it contradicts Scripture, it cannot be God’s will, no matter how appealing it may seem. [46:45]
3. Prayer is not a formality but a genuine wrestling with God, seeking not just His approval but His heart. True prayer means being open to God changing our desires and direction, trusting that His will is best even when it differs from our own. This kind of prayer cultivates humility and dependence, allowing God to shape our decisions from the inside out. [63:19]
4. Godly counsel is a safeguard against self-deception and impulsive choices. The wisdom of mature believers—those who love us enough to speak truth—can reveal blind spots and confirm or challenge our inclinations. Seeking and heeding such counsel is a mark of humility and a vital part of walking wisely in God’s will. [66:15]
5. When our desires are shaped by Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel, they often reflect God’s own heart for us. God is not out to make us miserable; He delights in giving us good desires as we delight in Him. When the doors of opportunity open in alignment with these other factors, we can step forward in faith, trusting that God is leading us—even if the path is not always easy or straightforward. [73:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Carson Newman and Church Partnership
[04:10] - Meeting Ashley: A Story of Providence
[08:45] - Navigating Major Life Decisions
[13:20] - God’s Will: Bullseye or Football Field?
[17:00] - God’s Will is Findable, Best, and Recoverable
[20:30] - Romans 12:1-2 and the Transformed Life
[23:50] - Five Questions for Discerning God’s Will
[25:10] - The Bible: God’s Revealed Will
[31:00] - Prayer: Wrestling with God
[35:00] - Godly Counsel: The Wisdom of Others
[39:00] - Desires: When God Shapes Your Heart
[42:30] - Open Doors: Recognizing God’s Opportunities
[46:00] - Walking Forward with Confidence
[48:00] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) — > I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV) — > Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) — > The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Observation Questions

According to Romans 12:1-2, what is the connection between being transformed by the renewing of your mind and discerning God’s will?
In the sermon, the pastor compared God’s will to a football field rather than a bullseye. What does this illustration mean about the way we make decisions? [[40:18]]
What does Psalm 37:4 say about the relationship between delighting in the Lord and the desires of our hearts?
According to Proverbs 12:15, what is the difference between a fool and a wise person when it comes to making decisions?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices before talking about discerning God’s will? How does this relate to making big decisions? [[42:18]]
The sermon says God’s will is “findable, best, and recoverable.” What does it mean for God’s will to be “recoverable” after we make mistakes? [[42:18]]
The pastor listed five questions to ask when making decisions: What does the Bible say? Have I really prayed about it? What do the godliest people I know think? What do I want to do? What doors are open? Why is it important that all five line up before moving forward? [[46:45]]
How does seeking godly counsel protect us from self-deception or impulsive choices? [[01:06:15]]

Application Questions

Think about a major decision you are facing (or have faced recently). Which of the five questions (Bible, prayer, counsel, desire, open doors) do you tend to skip or rush through? Why? [[46:45]]
The sermon said God’s will is not a tiny, elusive target but a spacious field with boundaries. How does this perspective change the way you feel about making decisions? Does it relieve any pressure or fear? [[40:18]]
When was the last time you prayed about a decision, not just asking God to bless your plan, but really wrestling with Him and being open to His direction—even if it was different from what you wanted? What was that experience like? [[01:03:19]]
Who are the “godliest people” in your life that you can go to for honest advice? Is there someone you need to seek out for counsel about a current decision? [[01:06:15]]
The pastor said that when our desires are shaped by God’s Word, prayer, and wise counsel, they often reflect God’s heart for us. Are there desires in your life right now that you’re unsure about? How can you test if they are aligned with God’s will? [[01:13:03]]
Have you ever experienced a “closed door” in your life—an opportunity you wanted but didn’t get? Looking back, can you see how God might have been guiding you through that? [[01:17:19]]
If you feel like you’ve made a mistake or stepped “out of bounds” in the past, how does the idea that God’s will is “recoverable” encourage you? What would it look like to return to God’s best for your life now? [[42:18]]

Sermon Clips

God's will is more like a football field than it is like a bullseye and the question is how can we find it what are the boundaries what are the principles that guide us in making those decisions and we're going to see is the Bible tells us it gives us what that roadmap is and here's what I want you to understand about God's will for your life it can be found it is best for your life and it is recoverable okay God's will is findable it is best and it is recoverable God isn't trying to hide it from you he wants you to know what he wants for your life and when you find God's will as as even the children's message said earlier like it's always best it's best for you it's best for the people around you it is what is best for your life and the good news is even when you make mistakes or even when you step out of bounds God's will is recoverable just like in football if you have a bad drive you can come back and have a good drive the next time if you have a bad play and you lose yardage you can gain yardage back on the next play God's will is findable it is best and it is recoverable. [00:48:00] (72 seconds) #FindableBestRecoverable

The gospel transforms you and changes you so that you can find God's will for your life. Not only can you find it, he says you can put it to the test and see that it is what is best for you. You can put God's will to the test and you can see that it's worth it as you practice it. [00:50:06] (17 seconds) #TestAndTrustGodsWill

The psalmist says that god's word helps you to become wise it's it's something that warns you about the things that you shouldn't do it's something that tells you here's the things that you should do and he says when you do what god's word says he will reward you so what does the bible say that's the most important the first question that you need to ask when you are trying to make a major decision. [00:52:49] (26 seconds) #WisdomThroughGodsWord

When you're praying, you need to pray and ask God, like God, help me to see, give me guidance, give me discernment to see what you want for me in this situation. Speak to me through your word. Lead me to passages in the Bible or to verses in the Bible that will speak directly or indirectly. Give me some guidance from your word. God, put godly people in my life who will be able to give me counsel and help me to see what the best decision to make is. God, open the doors that need to be open for me to be able to walk through them to see this is the path that you're leading me down. This is what you want. [01:03:33] (36 seconds) #SeekGuidanceThroughPrayer

When we are asking questions about what is the decision that I need to make here, we need to ask the people who love me enough to tell me the truth, the people that are godly and are wanting to follow Jesus, what do they think about this decision? And we need to go to them and we need to ask. [01:08:31] (16 seconds) #AskGodlyTrustedVoices

When you ask older people, godlier people, people who have more experience in life, then they're typically gonna be able to give you the entire picture. And so what do the godliest people that you know think, the people that are doing the best they can to walk with Jesus, pastors, parents, godly friends, you know, Sunday school teachers, youth pastors, group leaders, you need to set a time to talk with them, you need to really listen to what they're telling you, not just trying to, you know, take something out of what they're saying that you want to hear. Really listen to them. [01:10:06] (35 seconds) #ListenToGodlyExperience

If what you want to do in this situation lines up with, hey, this does not contradict the word of God. I've really prayed about it. And the godliest people I know think it's a good idea. Then guess what? Probably not an ungodly desire. It's probably a godly desire. Okay. And so you need to ask that question. Once you've already done all of that work, work in the Bible, work in prayer, talking to godly people, what do I want to do? That's, if those line up, then you can kind of be assured that this is a godly desire for your life and it's what God wants you to do. [01:13:17] (38 seconds) #AlignDesiresWithGod

If you are aligning your heart with God, then he's going to shape your heart in such a way that what you want for your life is what he wants for your life. And that's the best, that's the best of all worlds. That's the best thing possible. That's the best thing possible. [01:13:57] (16 seconds) #GodsWillIsJoyful

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