God's Will For YouSample

Discerning God’s Will Through The Counsel Of God’s People

God’s will is confirmed by counsel from God’s people. When making decisions, it is wise to ask for counsel. The Bible warns that only a fool thinks he is wise in his own eyes, while the one who listens to advice gains wisdom. 

The reason why most don’t ask for counsel is that we have already made up our minds. Do you have a tendency to avoid counsel because you know what people are going to tell but you want to do something contrary anyway? These are red flags which need to be addressed. 

How do we know God is leading us? How do we know God is speaking to us through His Word or in prayer? It is confirmed by the counsel from God’s people. 

Who should you ask for counsel? Among those who fear and love God, here are some practical considerations. 

a. Seek counsel from those who you want to imitate in life: If you want counsel about marriage or relationships, ask someone who’s marriage you respect and would like to imitate in the future. If you want counsel about work, ask someone who works in a way that gives God honor and glory, in a way that they treat people with respect and are generous with their resources. 

b. Seek counsel from people in a different season of life: If you are a student seeking counsel, ask someone who is working. If you are newly married and want counsel about marriage, ask someone who has been married for a few years. 

c. Seek counsel from people who have nothing to lose: Sometimes when people have something to lose or they are afraid of your reaction, or they are scared that they will lose your friendship, such people will not give you an honest assessment. Seek people who can speak the truth in love. 

d. Seek counsel from those who know you well and from those who may not know you well. 

e. Seek counsel from more than one person.