How do I know God’s will in a matter? The great man of faith, George Mueller, mentioned a few things that helped him as he walked with the Lord. He sincerely sought God’s direction.

He waited patiently on God until he had a word from God. He looked to the Holy Spirit to teach him through the Word of God. At the same time, he knew that certain things led to making mistakes: lacking honesty of heart; lacking uprightness before God; impatience to wait for God; and, preferring the counsel of men over the declarations of Scripture. Mueller entered into a “heart” relationship with God and learned to discern God’s voice. In his own words, “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 (90%) of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths (90%) of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do what the knowledge of what His will is. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions. 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. Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will in connection with His Word and Spirit. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright. Thus, (1) through prayer to God, (2) the study of God’s Word, and (3) 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.”

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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