As we continue in this subject of understanding the will of God, we must become rooted in one fact. God definitely wants us to know His will, even though it often seems hidden from us. The question remains, however, “Why then does it seem at times so difficult for us to discover, or to discern the will of God?” In this series of articles we will attempt to answer this and other related questions.

Concerning this apparent difficulty, one explanation might be that the Lord is teaching us patience. Maybe He wants us to take the time to grow in our relationship with Him personally as well as in our understanding of spiritual things. Then we can find our direction from within rather than by just responding blindly to a vocal command. Jesus explained to His disciples in John 15:15: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

There is a time to be children and servants but there is also a time to grow up in the Father’s house, and in the wisdom and knowledge of His Purpose. He desires a people in whom He can entrust this knowledge, and who will perform His will. Oh yes, the details will come in time, but first must come the revelation of what He truly desires.

The prophet Isaiah has shared this Word of instruction:

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this People. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” {Isa.28:9-12}

What a pity that Israel at that time and many in this day are not willing to endure the discipline of sitting at His feet and hearing His Word. True spiritual growth takes time and real devotion to learning His principles. Instead, many would prefer to have a prophet tell them what to do. God, of course will use this, but this is not His best. He desires for all to know him, from the least unto the greatest, and through knowing Him experience the divinely guided walk. {Hebrews 8:10-11}

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”{James 1:5-7}

There is no doubt that heavenly wisdom is a great source of divine guidance, but how is it imparted unto us? There are a number of ways, and all of them are a direct result of faith, confidence and trust in the Father’s Love. God is speaking to us all the time, we only need receptive ears to hear and receive of Him. He may speak through a circumstance, a friend, or even an enemy. All the holy writers of old have given His Word to us and their ministries have stood the test of time. Please do not reject them on the basis of our changing times. Even though cultures and the environment have changed, the spirit of what they spoke is still relevant to us today. Even non-Christian cultures will witness to the importance of the virtues that are extolled in the Bible. Man instinctively knows that love, compassion, honesty, faithfulness, respect, commitment, fairness and other principles must be adhered to if humanity is to survive.

Finally and foremost, God has spoken unto us by His Son – through His teachings as well as by His Life. He began that living message two thousand years ago and continues to speak among us through all who will yield their lives and their voices unto Him. Can you hear[...]