How Does One Know God’s Will In A Given Situation?
As I wrote earlier, God’s desire is not to involve ourselves in great matters or in things too difficult for us. (Ps 131)
So too, Paul tells us to pray for our authorities so that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life. (1 Tim. 2:2)
There are two earthly authorities set up by God, our father and the government but not, as most believe, our employer or the church.
Our tranquil and quiet life comes from direction and protection of the government and of our earthly father. Once married, our father is no longer our authority but rather an adviser, we are then in the direct line of God’s authority.
In the Old Testament, there were many ways to know God’s will, some were casting lots, laying out a fleece, Urim and Thummim, Prophets, etc.
Today, we have a different means of knowing God’s will; peace.
An example of this is when the disciples wanted to select a replacement for Judas in Acts 1:24, they drew lots and chose Matthias. They used old techniques to determine God's will but should have waited until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus instructed in Acts 1:8. We see that Matthias was never mentioned again in Scripture however, it appears that God had chosen Paul for the position.
Paul pens, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. (Phil. 4)
When we pray about a matter, God gives us peace (or a lack of peace). God's peace is important. He gives it from His Spirit to comfort our soul (mind, will, emotions). It surpasses our comprehension (the way we understand things). When Paul says it shall guard your heart and mind, in the Greek, this is one’s thoughts or feelings and your perception of things.
To know God’s will, know His peace.
What does one do to know peace?
When you do, it will give you direction, guard your thoughts, feelings and perception of things.
