Whispers of Christ

Let’s talk about God’s will.

It’s one of those “Christianese” phrases — the kind that makes sense in church or around Christian friends, but might feel vague or confusing to someone who’s not a believer. Maybe you’ve asked: How do I know I’m walking in God’s will? What if I step out of it?

All valid questions. But before we answer them, let’s first talk about what God’s will actually is.

Honestly, it’s a complex topic, and many great books have been written on it. I’m not here to write one of those — but I do want to share what I’ve learned about how to walk in God’s will.

There are generally three “levels” of God’s will:

Sovereign Will

God’s sovereign will refers to His big-picture plan — the things He has set in motion that will come to pass, no matter what.

A great example is Abraham and Sarah. God promised them they would become parents of a nation. And they made some pretty questionable choices trying to get there. But the beauty of God’s sovereign will is: you cannot mess it up.

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it?” – Numbers 23:19 (AMP)

This verse reminds us that when God promises or intends for something to happen — it’s going to happen.

Moral Will

God’s moral will refers to how He’s called us to live — the right and wrong that He has revealed through His Word.

In the Old Testament, His will was clearly outlined for Israel in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. Today, we see it through the life of Christ and the teachings of Scripture.

Examples of His moral will include walking in:

• Forgiveness
• Love
• Grace
• Mercy

It’s less about specific decisions and more about the heart posture we carry through those decisions.

Individual (or Personal) Will

This is God’s unique plan for you. Your purpose, your calling, your “such a time as this” moment.

Esther is a perfect example. She was positioned as queen at a time when her people desperately needed an advocate. She could have stayed silent — and someone else would have stepped in — but by choosing to partner with God, she changed the course of a nation.

How Do You Know if You’re Walking in God’s Will?

Here’s the good news: it’s actually simpler than we think (relatively speaking!).

Start with this question:

Does this contradict anything in God’s Word or His character?

God will never ask you to do something that opposes Scripture or what we know of His heart. If something feels off, seek wisdom from godly, trusted counselors.

“In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14

(Notice it says “counselors” — plural. One person alone might carry bias.)

Another sign? Peace.

It may seem weird, but when you’re aligned with Him, even hard decisions will carry a kind of deep, settled peace.

For example: I once applied for a job I wasn’t sure about. When they called to tell me I didn’t get it, I felt relieved. That peace told me the answer was right — even though it wasn’t what I expected.

And remember:

“God has not given us a spirit of fear…” – 2 Timothy 1:7

What Happens if You Step Outside His Will?

This is where people get stuck — thinking there’s only one right path, and if they miss it, they’re disqualified. But really, it’s more like choosing between different roads.

One might be smooth, another bumpier or longer — but with God? You’ll still reach the destination.

He doesn’t say, “Well, you blew it!” or “Guess we have to start from scratch.”

He works like a GPS:

“Re-routing…”

You might take a longer road, but you’re not lost. He doesn’t leave you stuck — He walks the way with you.

The only time we truly step out of His will is when we knowingly turn toward sin.

But the beautiful thing about turning?

You can always turn around.

You’re never too far gone. You’re never so lost that He can’t reroute you.

That’s the beauty of His grace — He walks the road with us, rerouting as we go.