Knowing and doing God’s Will Part 2
Discerning God’s will begins with learning to recognize where He is at work. Scripture teaches us that God reveals His activity through several consistent means:
Learning to See What God Is Doing
One of the most freeing truths in the Christian life is this: God is always at work. He is not distant, idle, or waiting for the right moment to begin. Scripture presents God as actively working in the world and in the lives of His people at all times.
As we continue our series Knowing and Doing the Will of God, this truth becomes foundational. If we misunderstand how God works, we will struggle to understand His will. But when we learn to recognize God’s activity, discerning His will becomes clearer and more personal.
God Is Working Even When We Do Not See It
Jesus made this reality unmistakably clear:
“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’”
— John 5:17 (ESV)
God’s work did not stop after creation. He continues to sustain, guide, convict, redeem, and accomplish His purposes. Much of what God does is unseen at first, but that does not make it unreal.
When believers assume God is inactive simply because they do not see immediate results, discouragement often follows. Scripture calls us instead to trust that God is always working according to His perfect wisdom.
God’s Work Precedes God’s Invitation
A consistent biblical pattern emerges: God begins His work long before He calls His people to join Him.
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, God was already moving to deliver Israel. When Esther was placed in the palace, God was already positioning events for the preservation of His people. When Jesus called the disciples, the Father was already drawing hearts to Himself.
God’s invitation is not a starting signal—it is a summons to participate in what He has already begun.
Learning to Recognize God’s Activity
Discerning God’s will begins with learning to recognize where He is at work. Scripture teaches us that God reveals His activity through several consistent means:
- Through His Word, which reveals His character and purposes
- Through prayer, where hearts are aligned with His will
- Through the conviction and guidance of the Holy Spirit
- Through circumstances interpreted through Scripture
- Through the counsel and confirmation of God’s people
God never contradicts His Word. Any perceived leading must always align with Scripture.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Why We Often Miss What God Is Doing
Believers often struggle to see God’s work for several reasons. Sometimes we are moving too quickly. Sometimes we are distracted by personal agendas. At other times, fear or comfort keeps us from noticing God’s invitations.
The apostle Paul reminds us:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
God’s activity often requires spiritual attentiveness rather than visible proof. Faith trains us to see beyond the immediate and trust God’s ongoing work.
Seeing God’s Work Changes How We Pray
When believers understand that God is already at work, prayer begins to change. Instead of asking God to bless our plans, we begin asking Him to reveal His plans.
This shift moves prayer from persuasion to participation. We are no longer asking God to follow us; we are learning to follow Him.
Jesus modeled this perfectly when He prayed:
“Not my will, but yours, be done.”
— Luke 22:42 (ESV)
Our Responsibility: Watch, Listen, and Obey
God’s ongoing work places a responsibility on every believer. We are called to watch where God is working, listen for His direction, and respond in obedience.
Scripture does not promise that obedience will always be easy, but it does promise that obedience leads to deeper fellowship with God.
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”
— Psalm 37:23 (ESV)
God delights in guiding those who desire to walk with Him.
Walking Forward Together
This week’s lesson calls us to attentiveness. God is at work in the world, in the church, and in the lives of His people—even when we do not immediately recognize it.
As we continue this journey, our prayer remains simple:
“Lord, help us see where You are at work, and give us willing hearts to join You.”
When we learn to recognize God’s activity, discerning His will becomes less confusing and more relational.
Continue Learning
No matter where you are reading from we welcome you to Bible-Alive. We hope that you will continue to explore our resources and find the Biblical answers you are searching for. Simply visit our home page to link to hundreds of studies, series, and devotionals. In the love of Christ. Barry.
Next in the series: How God Speaks — Scripture, Prayer, and the Holy Spirit
