How do you find your destiny?

A faithful follower asked the question after reading one of my posts—and it’s a good one. Is there a secret formula for finding one’s destiny?

When we diligently seek what God has for us to do with our lives, how can we be certain we’re not making a huge mistake?

Recently a close friend felt led by God to enter full-time missions in a rather uncomfortable location of the world. Strangely, many of her Christian friends spoke against it, casting doubt on whether or not it was God’s will.

She was even accused by someone of trying to earn credit with God. That was surprising since; simply knowing her eliminates that concern.

Fortunately, many others counterbalanced those who advised her to rethink the vision. She told me that one of the first people to reaffirm her calling, said to her, “I will pray with you about what God wants you to do.”

The offer to pray was genuine—it was a sincere proposal to partner with her in order for her to make the right decision. She gladly accepted the offer.

How often do we enter into a life-changing responsibility without asking God for guidance? It is imperative to remember that God does have a plan. That may be the most important fact to keep in the forefront.

But again, how do we know what His plan for us really is? I do not speak as one who has conquered this dilemma, but I have learned a few things from others much more spiritual than I that may be helpful.

• Spend time with God
  • Don’t leave me at this point. I know this is a no brainer, but you may be surprised how many folks look for answers everywhere but here. So let me just get this out of the way—spend time in prayer and reading His Word.
    • This may not be a rapid fix, but it cannot be skipped or skimmed.
• Don’t spend time with people you shouldn’t
  • You know who they are. Sometimes they’re friends, sometimes family, but if they have motivations that don’t match yours, don’t expect objective advice.
    • This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consult everyone, but remember what their situation is. They may feel guilty that they don’t have the goals you do, so getting you to abandon yours is far easier than forming goals of their own. It may very well mean they struggle with the thought of losing you from their lives—perhaps forever.
    • It doesn’t mean you can’t trust those people; just remember where they are coming from.
• Do your research
  • When we study where we feel God is leading us, He will begin to guide us down the right path—maybe a different path than the one we started.
    • As one who has experienced this, I can tell you it may be a very hard pill to swallow, especially when the path I was on was one I enjoyed so much.
• Don’t be paralyzed
  • Move in some direction, even if it’s only to do the research. Don’t let the sofa entice you—do the work.
    • This is a great spot for Satan to hold you down. You know you have to do something, but he is telling you to wait, think, think some more. During this period, don’t be surprised if he starts convincing you that where you are is good enough. Go where God is calling you if you want all there is.
• Expect to work for it
  • God may hit you over the head with His answer as soon as you sit down, but don’t count on that. Waiting on the Lord sometimes means actually waiting on the Lord.
    • I am not saying God makes us wait, just to make us work for it. God does nothing without great purpose. That is something to believe in when the world is crashing around you.

I have learned that God loves for me to be in the center of His will. He takes no pleasure in hiding things from me—He is eager to share His purpose for me, but I need to be doing my part—listening.

That means I read and study His Word. If I’m not doing that, I have no right to complain that I’m confused.

Question: Do you struggle with knowing God’s will? Do you have any advice for others? Please comment below.