Walking Daily in God’s Will
What if knowing God's will isn't about hearing a voice, but about understanding His trajectory?
Many believers long for clarity in life's big decisions. Whether it's choosing a spouse, relocating for a job, deciding where to attend church, or determining how to steward finances, the desire to follow God's will is both sincere and urgent. But what if God's guidance isn't always a step-by-step blueprint, but rather a trajectory a path we trace from His Word and past works?
In a sermon dating back to 1982, Pastor John Piper explores this very idea by drawing on a powerful Old Testament story: Abraham’s commissioning of a servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac, in Genesis 24:1–9. This story offers profound insights into how we can discern God’s will not through audible commands, but by understanding patterns in His Word and aligning our lives accordingly.
The Daily Aim
Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). For the Christian, this isn't just a hopeful plea it’s a daily mission. Pastor Piper warns that failing to make this our consistent aim could be a sign of spiritual disconnection. Christ himself declared in Matthew 12:50, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” In other words, doing the will of God isn’t just about performance it’s about posture. The heart that consistently seeks to aim at the target of God’s will, even if it misses the bullseye, bears the family resemblance of the children of God.
Tracing God’s Trajectory
The heart of Piper’s message is this: God's will is often discerned not by new revelations, but by understanding the trajectories of His Word and His works. He uses the example of a rocket’s path if you know its shape, speed, and direction, you can predict its trajectory. Similarly, when you become deeply familiar with Scripture and how God has moved in your life, you begin to see the trajectory of His will.
Abraham's decision in Genesis 24 offers a masterclass in this. God hadn’t given him an explicit command about Isaac’s marriage. Instead, Abraham combined what God had already revealed to him in three powerful “trajectories”:
Isaac must marry. This was clear given God's promise to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation.
The wife must not be a Canaanite. God had set Israel apart from surrounding nations.
Isaac must not return to Mesopotamia. God called Abraham out of that land and promised a new inheritance.
These weren’t direct orders for this specific decision. But together, they pointed Abraham down a clear path. With these guiding principles, Abraham confidently declared, “[God] will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son” (Genesis 24:7). Abraham acted not from guesswork, but from informed, prayerful discernment rooted in what God had already revealed.
Applying This to Modern Life
How often do we cry out for God’s direction in the fog of uncertainty? We want answers about relationships, careers, parenting, education, finances, ministry roles. But Scripture tells us that while God can speak directly, His usual method is teaching us to walk by faith not sight through His Word.
In fact, a recent Lifeway Research study found that 57% of churchgoers say they find it difficult to discern God's will in everyday life. This struggle is common, but not insurmountable.
When we immerse ourselves in Scripture and reflect on how God has previously guided us, we begin to see His fingerprints and can move forward with confidence. According to Barna Group’s surveys, only 19% of practicing Christians read the Bible daily. If more believers developed this daily habit, they’d be far better equipped to understand the “rocket’s path.”
So what does that look like practically?
Know Scripture deeply. The better you know the Bible, the more familiar you become with God’s nature, His ways, and His priorities.
Recall past guidance. Reflect on how God has led you in past seasons. What patterns emerge? What doors did He open or close?
Look for convergence. Like Abraham, observe where biblical principles intersect in your current situation. They often point to the next right step.
Move with faith. Once convinced of God’s direction, act boldly. Trust that He will clear the way for His will to unfold.
Confidence in Obedience
We want assurance that once we've discerned God's will, He'll help us carry it out. Genesis 24 shows us that Abraham not only found God's will he believed God would support him in it. Piper calls this “God running interference.” When we commit to following God’s direction, we can have faith that He will remove obstacles and provide what we need.
The Apostle Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 2:14, “Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.” This doesn't mean our path will be easy, but it does mean it's victorious because God goes before us.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve been paralyzed by indecision, waiting for a sign, or unsure about your next step don’t wait for the clouds to part. Instead, go back to what God has already revealed. Study His Word. Trace the trajectory. Then step forward in faith.
He may not show you the whole blueprint, but He will illuminate the next step. And as you walk in obedience, the path will become clearer.
If this spoke to you, share it with someone who’s seeking God’s direction or subscribe to our newsletter to receive more faith-deepening reflections.
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