How to Ascertain the Will of God by George Müller

Last week we discussed enjoying the abundant life as a Christian, which involves being in loving communication with Christ our Good Shepherd.  Part of this wondrous communication we enjoy in relationship with the Lord is knowing His will, both for this world as a whole, but also for our individual lives!

One of the most helpful things I've read about how to discern God's will for our lives was penned by George Müller in the 19th century.  If you are not familiar with George Müller, he was an evangelist/philanthropist in England who established several orphanages before becoming a preaching missionary (in his 70s!).  He is best known for his amazing faith and life of prayer.  Perhaps he will serve to encourage you today, as well, as you seek to learn God's will for a particular area of your life!

How to Ascertain the Will of God

by George Müller

1.—I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's Will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

2.—Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3.—I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.

4.—Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5.—I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright.

6.—Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and in transactions involving most important issues, I have found this method always effective.

Copied by Stephen Ross for WholesomeWords.org from Answers to Prayer from George Müller's Narratives compiled by A. E. C. Brooks. Chicago.: Moody Press, ca. 1897.

http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bmuller12.html