Romans 12:1-2
Two Misconceptions About God’s Will
Misconception #1: If I choose wrong, my life is ruined.
Misconception #2 — If I’m in God’s Will, Life Will Be Smooth
The disciples were:
God is not only directing your destination—He is shaping you in the process.
Romans 12:1
New International Version: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
“The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar.”
New King James Version: Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
We often think: “My actions need to change.”
But first: YOUR THINKING MUST CHANGE.
Sometimes repentance is not just about behavior.
“That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
1. Completely Surrender Your Will to God
Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be.
Instead of asking: “God, what do you want me to do?”
The believer should ask: “Am I willing to obey whatever God says?”
2. Don’t Rely on Feelings or Simple Impressions Alone
“Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.”
3. Seek the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
George Müller said:
“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.”
Feelings are a confirmation, not the starting point.
“Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.”
Circumstances alone are not enough…because not every open door is from God.
5. Pray Specifically
Prayer is the place where the believer’s heart becomes aligned with God.
Rather than: “God, tell me my future,” the our prayer is: “Lord, shape my desires so I want what You want.”
6. Make a Deliberate Decision
DECIDE IN PEACE: “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,
Clarity often comes after obedience, not before it.
Müller also said: Continue praying after making the decision.
“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.”
Waiting Is Often Part of God’s Will
But God usually gives enough light for the next step, not the whole map.
The basic Biblical pattern is that God forms before He uses.
Even when believers make imperfect decisions, God teaches, redirects, redeems, guides, and works us through the other side.
Psalm 32:8 (NIV):
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”