5 Ways To Discern God’s Plan for Your Life

Have you ever wanted to know God’s plan for your life? What could be your calling? Is there a particular vocation you are currently drawn to?

Discerning God’s plan for our lives doesn’t only happen when we are young. It can also happen at other times in our lives when we think about the path we’re currently taking and whether we want to take a new direction.

But how do you know whether what you’re feeling aligns with God’s will for your life?

Here are 5 ways to discern God’s unique plan for you:

1. Know Yourself

Although our ultimate goal would be to discover God’s will for us, we can still start by knowing ourselves.

Remember that God has given us freedom and the ability to decide what we want to do in life. His desire for us is not to exist as mere puppets that perform His commands whether we like it or not. Instead, He wants us to also discover who we are and what we are capable of doing.

Unlike any other creature, man was made in the image and likeness of God. There is something within us that is good, something that desires what is beautiful and worth pursuing.

What are some of the things you naturally enjoy doing? What are your current hobbies? When you read the news or observe the world around you, how do you react? Is there something you wish could be better? And do you feel that you somehow have a gift that can bless other people around you?

2. Ask People

Sometimes, our family and friends can observe something about us that we may have failed to notice ourselves.

When trying to discern our life purpose or calling, hearing their thoughts could help us complete the picture of our God-given capabilities.

Ask your friend what seems to be your greatest asset. Ask your siblings how they saw you in the pursuit of your previous goals. Take time to listen to the opinion of your mother or father. They are the ones who have seen you grow.

3. Spend Time in Prayer

Spending time with God is of utmost importance when trying to discern His plan for your life. Seek His presence. Read the Bible. Make time for silent reflection as you listen to His voice.

Develop patience and perseverance. God may not immediately reveal His plans for you, but keep the faith that He is there. He knows you more than anyone could ever do. And He wants you to live a fruitful and fulfilling life that will bless many around you.

Allow Him to speak to you. Let Him walk with you as you try to discern your next steps.

4. Ask People Who Have Walked a Similar Path

There comes a time when you finally have an idea about your calling. What you can do next is to have a good conversation with people who may have taken a similar vocation or mission.

How did they discover God’s plan for their lives? What advice can they give you to better understand where God is calling you next?

5. Take Small Steps in Faith

God may not immediately reveal the whole picture to us at once, but He may reveal the next steps that we can take.

If you have a desire that seems good, reasonable and not against God’s commandments, you may continue moving in that direction.

God’s Will and Your Deepest Desire

God’s plan for you will align with your heart’s deepest desire. It may take some time before you recognize it, but you will find it when you seek it with all of your heart.

Meanwhile, be at peace knowing that God watches your every step and is always ready to support you. Trust His timing and His wisdom.

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the Lord—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me.”
– Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NABRE)

You may also want to see my book “The Good For Nothing Boy”.

When I wrote “The Good For Nothing Boy”, I wasn’t sure whether I was writing for children or for grownups. But this is a story about searching for one’s worth and one’s purpose. I remember the times I felt like the boy in the story, not knowing what I’m really good at and not knowing my mission in life. Even though I have certain skills and talents, I often felt as though I’m not good enough. In today’s competitive world, how do we start to see our worth? How do we discover God’s plan for our lives?

Also read the article “Have You Ever Wanted to Hear Jesus Talk?”.