This week I will speak in commencement exercises in a couple of states. I love these special meetings and it is an honor to be part of such a great day for young people and their families. Commencements are just that…the beginning of the next step.

I have stopped asking graduating seniors the most dreaded question. Young people get sick of hearing, “What are you going to do next?” In fact, this is not the right question to ask! The real question is: “What does God want you to do with your life?”

Isn’t that the question for all of life?

It is not just young people who must find this answer! At every stage of life it seems we are faced with some crossroads…What is the will of God for me and how can I discover it?

The greatest secret that I have learned related to discovering the will of God is this: Do what you know and you will know what to do.

Jesus said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…” (John 7:17) Don’t miss the divine order! Will do = shall know. This is the reverse of our way. Man says, “Let me know and I will do it.” This requires no faith. No obedience. The will of God is to obey the revealed will of God and watch the Lord shed light on the next part of your path.

His will, like His Word, is a progressive revelation. Someone has likened it to the difference in a syllabus and a scroll. We want all of the details up front. God’s will never comes in one volume. It unrolls like a scroll as we continue to follow Him. This keeps us dependent on the Lord at every juncture.

So, what is the will of God? Where do we start? In at least three places the New Testament clearly reveals the will of God for His children…

1. It is the will of God for us to walk wisely, making the most of every day. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17). Wisdom is not just for big days; it is for every day. The will of God is not future – it is present! It is a daily walk. This is the will of God.
2. It is the will of God for us to be sanctified. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” (1 Thess. 4:3-4). Purity and holiness are always prerequisites to divine leading. This is the will of God.
3. It is the will of God for us to be thankful. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). These things are all connected. Grateful people acknowledge God every day and do not live in covetousness. They have learned the beauty of contentment. This is the will of God.

Start here. Start now. Walk in wisdom today. Keep yourself from evil. Give God thanks. When God controls a man, and that man is consumed spirit, soul, and body with Christ, God will show that man His will.

At a critical time in my life, when I was seeking wisdom for the next step, my pastor said to me, “You cannot steer a vehicle unless it is moving. Take the next step and God will steer you in the right direction.” He was right. I still do not know all about the future but I am moving forward with Him. He is steering and it is the adventure of a lifetime.

Join me on the journey! Do what you know and you will know what to do.