How can we discern God's will in challenging situations today? Setting the Scene Joshua 11:20 records, “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, to engage Israel in battle so that Israel would completely destroy them without mercy and annihilate them, as the LORD had commanded Moses.” This difficult verse anchors three timeless truths that shape how we seek God’s will today: • God remains absolutely sovereign—even over hostile powers. • His purposes never contradict His prior commands. • Israel discerned God’s will by obeying what He had already said through Moses. Timeless Principles Drawn from Joshua 11:20 1. God’s sovereignty guides events, not human calculation. 2. God’s will is always consistent with previously revealed Scripture. 3. Discernment grows out of obedience; Israel knew the next step because they had followed the last step. Steps to Discern God’s Will in Today’s Challenges • Submit your mind and body to Him first Romans 12:1-2 calls us to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices… Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Surrender precedes clarity. • Search the written Word Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms Scripture equips “for every good work.” If an option violates Scripture, it is never God’s will. • Pray for wisdom James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” Keep asking until He answers. • Evaluate motives under the Word’s spotlight Hebrews 4:12: the Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Let Scripture expose self-interest, fear, or pride. • Invite godly counsel Proverbs 11:14: “with many counselors there is deliverance.” Mature believers often confirm or correct what we sense. • Watch God’s providential openings and closings Revelation 3:7-8: Christ “opens and no one can shut.” Circumstances alone aren’t final authority, but consistent open doors can affirm a biblically sound direction. • Look for the steady peace of Christ Philippians 4:6-7 promises God’s peace will “guard your hearts and your minds.” Restless turmoil usually signals “wait” or “re-examine.” Staying Sensitive to God’s Direction 1. Walk daily in obedience to whatever He has already shown you, as Israel obeyed Moses’ commands. 2. Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly so nothing dulls spiritual perception. 3. Cultivate a listening life: unhurried time in Scripture and prayer trains ears to recognize His voice (John 10:27). Living It Out When the path ahead feels as challenging as Israel facing hardened Canaanite kings, remember: the same sovereign Lord orchestrates details, speaks through His unchanging Word, and guides obedient hearts. Trust Him, test every option against Scripture, seek wisdom in prayer and counsel, and move forward in the peace He provides. |
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