“What is the Will of God for My Life?”

“What job should I take?” “Where do I go to college?” “Who do I marry?” “What’s my purpose?” “Why am I here?”

The list of questions goes on, and with it comes a cloud of confusion. When you don’t know what to do or lack confidence in your next step, it can feel heavy—especially in your 20s, when every choice seems to shape the rest of your life.

It’s easy to believe that one decision will set the course for everything else: “If I mess this up, I’ve ruined it all.” But here’s some relief—most decisions aren’t as permanent or all-defining as they feel. You can pivot. You can course-correct. You can learn and grow. Translation? Sometimes…it’s not that deep.

But there’s one question that often sticks deeper, feels heavier, and it’s this…What is the will of God for my life?

It sounds big. And it is. But this blog isn’t a step-by-step guide to unlocking the mystery of God’s specific day-by-day will for you. Instead, it’s an invitation to pause, take a breath, and shift your perspective.

To do this, let’s go to John 17. In this chapter, Jesus is praying to the Father shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. It’s one of the most powerful prayers in all of Scripture. He says, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do… Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them…I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one…” — John 17:3–4, 17–21 (ESV)

While this is only a small part of Jesus’ prayer, let’s observe a few things together.

First: Jesus not only has power to give eternal life, but he says this was his mission on earth - the “work” that he was given to do. And then, he continues to say that he is now sending the disciples (and “those who will believe” - hint hint: that’s you and me) into the world for the purpose of others to know and believe in him as well.

So, you’re asking…what does this have to do with the will of God for my life?

Well, if this is the work Jesus came to do, and if he glorified the Father by accomplishing this work, then it can be a good indicator of what he desires for us. What he wills for us all.

At the core of it all, this is the will of God for your life. For all of us. God’s will for you, for me, for your neighbor, your coworker, your brother or your sister — is to know him. Everything else flows out of this:

…To know and believe Jesus. Wherever you’re at, continue seeking him. Continue building a relationship with him.

…To be sanctified in truth. Allow his truth to change you. Receive what he has to say, and respond in obedience.

…To live in such a way that others may know him, too. Work, rest, communicate, befriend, reconcile, etc. in a way that reflects the character of God and the goodness of the gospel.

Yes, the framework is that simple. The wrestling, however, comes with the context of the human life - the day to day decisions and the pivotal moments where we have to seek His voice and direction, and grapple with the results of our actions. Do the consequences (good or bad or neutral) reflect God’s will? Or do they contradict or work against it? That takes reflection, prayer, wise counsel and discernment.

Here’s what it boils down to: you can honor God in so many different paths and decisions - whether you’re a banker, a chemist, a barista, or a stay-at-home parent.

So maybe it’s time to flip the script. Instead of asking, “What’s the will of God for my life?” in a state of anxiety, let’s start with: “How can I love God with all I am—right now?”

Allow that question shape your choices.

And here’s the best part: God knows your heart. Even when you make mistakes with the best intentions, He’s faithful to guide you. You’re not being graded on perfection—you’re invited into a relationship where God walks with you, redirects your steps, and honors your heart to follow Him.

Struggling and want someone to talk to? Connect with our Care Coordinator — we would love to come alongside you!