Am I in the Right Job? …Guidance From the Bible预览

How Can I Know God’s Will for My Working Life?

We’ve talked about motivation, purpose, and fit. But here’s the question so many of us still wrestle with:

How can I actually know God’s will for my working life?

If only God would speak clearly, right? A voice from heaven. A sign in the clouds. A perfectly timed email saying, “Take this job.” But that’s not usually how it works.

Years ago, my wife and I wished for that very thing. We prayed, “God, just tell us what to do!”

But eventually, we realized two things: first, if God gave a direct command, we’d be “obligated” to follow it – even if we didn’t like the answer. And second, God has already spoken through Scripture, through Jesus, and through His Spirit.

Our problem isn’t that God is silent – it’s that we want a shortcut. But God wants us to grow closer to Him through the process of seeking.

So, how do we discover His will?

Here’s a 5-step process we teach at the God & Work ministry:

1. Read the Bible

God’s Word is your foundation. It reveals His character, values, and vision for life and leadership. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). Read it to understand not just what God says “about” work, but what He says “to you” through it.

2. Pray Daily and Honestly

Prayer isn’t just about asking for answers – it’s about becoming aligned with God’s heart. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” Begin with adoration, move through confession and thanksgiving, and then make your requests known. Be still – and listen.

3. Seek Wise Counsel

God often speaks through others. Don’t decide on your own. Surround yourself with mature believers who understand both business and God’s Word. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Trusted counsel can clarify what emotion may distort.

4. Check Your Motivation

Even good plans can be built on shaky motives. Are you asking God to bless “your” path, or are you truly surrendered to “His”? Jesus reminds us that “the first will be last” (Matthew 19:30). Let your heart be guided by humility, not ambition.

5. Wait, Listen, and Watch

Once you’ve done the above, wait. God’s timing is not rushed. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Stay alert to His nudges in your circumstances, your heart, and your community.

These five steps aren’t magic, but together they create space for God to speak clearly.

So, if you’re facing a job decision, don’t rush. Walk with God through the process. He’s more interested in shaping your heart than in giving you a map. And as your heart aligns with His, the path becomes clearer.

For more info, look up the YouVersion reading plan “5 Steps to Know God’s Will - What the Bible Says.”