How Do I Know If I Am Truly Following God’s Will? Few questions weigh as heavily on a believer’s heart as this one. We long to walk in step with God, to know that our choices align with His divine purpose. But how can we be sure? Unlike a GPS that maps out every turn, God often leads us step by step, asking us to trust Him rather than rely on a neatly laid-out route.
Instead of handing us a rigid blueprint, He invites us into something far greater—a relationship. His will isn’t just about the right decisions; it’s about the kind of person we are becoming. It’s in the quiet moments of seeking, in the tension of waiting, and in the courage of obedience that we begin to see His path unfold before us.
So how do we know? How can we walk confidently, even when we can’t see the full picture? Let’s explore the markers that reveal whether we are truly following God’s will.
1. Are You Grounded in His Word?
God’s will is never contradictory to His Word. The Bible is our ultimate guide, revealing His character, His commands, and His promises. If we’re making decisions without seeking Scripture, we may be following our own desires rather than His leading.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” — Isaiah 40:8
God’s Word is unchanging, reliable, and eternal. In a world where opinions shift and emotions deceive, Scripture remains a steady foundation. When we anchor ourselves in it, we gain clarity, wisdom, and direction. Just as a lamp guides our steps in the dark, the Bible illuminates the choices before us. If we neglect it, we risk walking blindly, led by personal ambition or cultural influence rather than God’s truth.
To truly follow His will, we must not only read His Word but immerse ourselves in it—letting it shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Are your choices reflecting the unchanging truth of Scripture, or are they swayed by fleeting emotions and worldly reasoning?
2. Are You Listening to the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Counselor, and Guide. He nudges us toward righteousness and convicts us when we drift off course. When you’re making a decision, do you feel peace or unrest? Sometimes, God’s will isn’t about a specific choice, but about the posture of our heart—are we walking by the Spirit or by the flesh?
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” — John 16:13
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:25
The Holy Spirit isn’t just a distant presence—He is our personal Guide, our Counselor, our Helper. But guidance is only effective if we choose to listen. The Spirit speaks in many ways: through Scripture, through conviction, through peace or unease in our hearts. The question is—are we paying attention?
Keeping in step with the Spirit isn’t a passive act; it’s an intentional pursuit. It means quieting the noise of the world, leaning into prayer, and being sensitive to His nudges, even when they lead us somewhere unexpected. If we only follow when it’s convenient, we aren’t truly walking by the Spirit—we’re asking Him to follow us.
The more we surrender to His leading, the clearer His voice becomes. The more we resist, the harder it is to hear. So ask yourself: Are you merely existing in the Spirit, or are you actively walking with Him?
3. Are You Seeking Wise Counsel?
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” — Proverbs 12:15
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14
No one walks this journey alone. God never intended for us to navigate life’s big decisions in isolation. He places godly mentors, pastors, and spiritually mature friends in our lives to help us discern His will. Yet, too often, pride convinces us that we have all the answers. We push ahead, convinced we see clearly—only to realize later that we were walking blind.
Humility is the key to receiving wisdom. Wise counsel isn’t about letting others control our decisions, but about seeking godly perspectives that challenge our blind spots and confirm God’s direction. When we ignore guidance, we risk unnecessary heartache. But when we surround ourselves with people who seek the Lord, we find clarity, protection, and strength.
Are you actively seeking godly counsel, or are you relying only on your own understanding?
4. Are You Walking in Faith or Fear?
God’s will often calls us to step out in faith, even when we don’t have all the answers. If fear is the only thing holding you back from taking action, it may be an indication that you need to trust Him more.
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Fear whispers lies—“What if you fail?” “What if this isn’t the right path?” “What if God doesn’t come through?” Fear convinces us to stay in our comfort zones, to cling to control, to wait for perfect certainty before we move. But faith? Faith takes a step even when the road ahead is unclear.
Walking in faith doesn’t mean we have all the answers—it means we trust the One who does. God calls us to move forward, not because we see every detail, but because He goes before us. If we wait until we have absolute clarity, we may never step into the purpose He has for us.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to trust God in spite of it. So the real question is: Are you letting fear dictate your steps, or are you trusting God to lead the way?
5. Are You Bearing Fruit?
Jesus said we will recognize a tree by its fruit. If your choices are leading to love, joy, peace, patience, and other fruits of the Spirit, you are likely walking in God’s will. But if your path is producing bitterness, pride, or division, it may be time to reassess.
“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” — Matthew 7:17
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” — John 15:4
The key to bearing good fruit is remaining in Christ. When we abide in Him—through prayer, obedience, and dependence—we don’t have to force good fruit; it naturally grows. But when we try to live apart from Him, relying on our own strength, we quickly wither.
Ask yourself: Is my life producing fruit that glorifies God? Or am I striving in my own power, leading to exhaustion and frustration? True spiritual fruit is never the result of human effort alone—it’s the outcome of staying connected to the Vine.
6. Are You Willing to Surrender?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” — Matthew 16:24
Surrender isn’t just about letting go—it’s about handing over control to the One who knows what’s best. It’s about loosening our grip on our plans, our timelines, and our expectations, trusting that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). True surrender doesn’t come naturally; it requires faith, humility, and a willingness to put God’s will above our own.
Jesus never called His followers to a life of ease—He called them to a life of obedience. To follow Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and walking in step with Him, even when it’s difficult. Surrender doesn’t mean we lose—it means we gain something far greater: His perfect plan, His provision, and His presence guiding our steps.
Sometimes, God’s will isn’t about what we do but who we become. Are you willing to lay down your own agenda, desires, and plans to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? True surrender is not about passively giving up; it’s about actively trusting that His way is always better, even when we can’t see the full picture.
The question is, are you truly willing to surrender? Or are you still holding on to control, afraid of what letting go might cost you? If you trust Him with your eternity, you can trust Him with your today.
What now?
Following God’s will isn’t about perfection, but about positioning yourself to hear His voice and respond in obedience. He’s not trying to hide His plan from you; He wants to lead you. Stay in His Word, listen to the Holy Spirit, seek wise counsel, walk in faith, and surrender your plans to Him.
Even if you take a wrong step, God’s grace is sufficient to redirect you. His will is not a tightrope you must fear falling off—it’s a journey of trust and relationship with Him. Keep walking, keep seeking, and know that He is with you every step of the way.
