Commit your life decisions to God's will

DEAR DR. GRAHAM: I have some big decisions to make in the next few months, and I know I need to pray about them and seek God's will. But how will I know it's God speaking to me, and not just my own personal desires? I don't want to make a mistake. -- Z.J.

DEAR Z.J.: I'm thankful you sincerely want to know God's will about these decisions, because the first step we need to take is to be sure we actually want God's will. The Bible says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God" (James 4:7).

Far too often, I'm afraid, people ask God to guide them, but then they ignore Him if He seems to be leading them in a way they don't want to go. In other words, they already know what they want to do, and they simply want God to bless their plans. But they've forgotten that God's way is always best -- always. After all, He knows all about us, and He knows what is best for us. But He also loves us -- and because He loves us, He wants what is best for us.

How can you discover God's will in these decisions? First, be sure of your commitment to Christ. Have you turned your life over to Him, and are you seeking His will in every area of your life? God has not promised to bless us if we follow Him in some things, but then ignore Him in others.

Then commit your decisions to God in prayer, asking Him to guide you. In addition, seek advice from people you trust who want God's will for you. Also seek guidance from God's Word, the Bible; it tells us how God wants us to live and what our motives should be. The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).