Discerning God's Will: Four Ways to Follow Christ with Wisdom and Faith

Exploring the path of following Christ and uncovering God’s plan for your life can be both thrilling and intimidating. It entails a dedication to grasping God’s intentions and aligning your life with His purposes. In this discussion, we delve into four methods, for understanding God’s will by drawing insights from the Scriptures and the wisdom of figures such, as the Desert Fathers and Mothers St. Ignatius and St. Benedict.

Biblical Verse; "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known" (Jeremiah 33:3)

Personal Reflection: It's beneficial to dedicate a moment each day for prayer and reflection inviting God to unveil His intentions for you.

Step 1: Engage with the Word of God

The Scriptures serve as a guiding light in our journey (Psalm 119:105). They offer direction on how to align our lives with God’s plan. Regularly immersing ourselves in the Bible helps us shape our thoughts and behaviors according to teachings.

Drawing inspiration from the Desert Fathers and Mothers who sought solace in Scripture during their wilderness retreats we see how St. Antony the Great highlighted the significance of facing temptations as essential for growth; "No one can enter Heaven without experiencing trials. Salvation comes through overcoming temptations."

Biblical Reference: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproofing, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Incorporate daily Bible reading, into your routine seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to gain insight and apply its teachings to your life.

Step 2: Embrace Wise Advice

It's common for God to use the wisdom of others to steer us in the right direction. Turning to experienced Christian spiritual mentors and trusted friends can help us recognize God’s plan. These individuals offer perspectives that allow us to see how God is at work in our lives.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Jesuits promoted the practice of discernment by urging believers to seek guidance. He believed in reflection. Seeking advice from others could lead one to a clearer understanding of God’s intentions.

Reference; "Where there is no guidance a people falls,but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14)

Step 3: Identify Mentors

Pinpoint a few individuals, in your circle whom you can turn to for counsel and insights.

Step 4: Acknowledge Life’s Signposts

At times we can discern God’s will through the circumstances we encounter in our lives.

Paying attention to the opportunities that come our way can give us a glimpse, into what God has in store for us. It takes humility and an open heart to acknowledge that God’s plans are beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8,9).

The early Christians like the Desert Mothers and Fathers often saw their life experiences as messages from God directly. Abba Poemen, one of the Desert Fathers advised, "Don't invest your heart in things that don't fulfill you."

Biblical Reference:  “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Reflection: Take time to think about happenings and changes, in your life. How might God be communicating with you through these situations?

St. Augustine once expressed that falling in love, with God is like experiencing the romance seeking Him is an adventure, and finding Him is the ultimate human accomplishment. Let us embrace this journey wholeheartedly being open to wherever God may lead us.

Questions for Self Reflection:

1.        How can you integrate these four practices into your life to gain an understanding of God’s intentions?

2. In what ways has God already made His will known to you through prayer reading the Bible seeking advice, from individuals, or navigating life’s challenges?

By engaging in these exercises, we can strengthen our bond with God and gain clearer insight into the path He has set before us. Let us dedicate ourselves to this expedition having faith that God will direct our steps at every turn.