The Perfect Will of God
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
When we were without God, we lived doing what we thought was right, making decisions for ourselves and for others without truly considering the consequences. Today, many live under the motto, “You are the owner of yourself and your decisions,” proclaiming that no one has the authority to tell them what to do or say. Young people, without much life experience, make important decisions without seeking proper counsel, and even less seeking God.
The Bible teaches us that we no longer belong to ourselves, but we are children of God. And as His children, our will must be subject to His and not to our own. But… do we truly understand this?
What the Bible does not say about the perfect will of God
- It does not say that God’s will is confusing or unreachable.
The Word never presents His will as something impossible to know. On the contrary, it encourages us to seek it and live in it (Romans 12:2).
- It does not say that God’s will is always easy or comfortable.
Although it is good, acceptable, and perfect, it does not mean there will be no trials or suffering. Jesus in Gethsemane accepted the Father’s will despite the pain (Matthew 26:39).
- It does not say that God’s will adapts to our desires.
Many times, His will contradicts what we want in the flesh, because His thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9).
- It does not say that God’s will depends on chance or luck.
Everything is under His sovereign control; nothing happens outside of His knowledge.
A story that reflects the perfect will of God
The life of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 37–50) is a clear example:
- He was sold by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned.
- Humanly speaking, it seemed like a disaster, but God was working behind the scenes.
- In the end, Joseph became governor of Egypt and saved his family from famine.
Joseph himself acknowledged this in Genesis 50:20 (KJV): “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
The perfect will of God may lead us through difficult processes, but it always fulfills a greater and glorious purpose. What others see as loss, God turns into victory.
Seeking God’s will in prayer
Many times, we justify our decisions by saying: “God allowed it.” And in a way, that may be true. But that does not mean it was His perfect will.
The only way to know and walk in the perfect will of God is to seek it in prayer. There we ask for direction, and we must wait for His answer, because He is faithful and hears His children:
1 Peter 3:12 (KJV): “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers…”
This does not mean the answer will always be “yes.” Sometimes it will be “no,” but even that is His perfect will.
How to know the perfect will of God according to the Bible
1. Through the Word of God
Scripture is the primary guide.
- Psalm 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
- Anything that contradicts the Bible cannot be God’s will. Jesus Himself used the Word to reject temptation (Matthew 4:4).
2. Through the renewing of the mind
- Romans 12:2 (KJV): reminds us that as we renew our understanding, we learn to discern what comes from God. This involves prayer, meditating on the Word, and rejecting the influence of the world.
3. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit
- John 16:13 (KJV): “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”
- The Spirit gives conviction, peace, or uneasiness concerning our decisions. Example: Paul was forbidden by the Spirit to preach in Asia and was directed to Macedonia (Acts 16:6–10).
4. Through prayer and obedience
- In Gethsemane, Jesus taught us to pray: “…nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39 KJV).
- Praying with a surrendered heart prepares us to accept His will above our own.
5. Through fruits and confirmation
- James 3:17 (KJV): “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
- The will of God always produces peace, righteousness, and spiritual fruit.
- It can also be confirmed through godly counselors (Proverbs 11:14).
If you have a plan in your heart and you want God to be in the midst of it, speak to Him first. Ask Him in prayer and do not move until you are certain it was God who approved it.
And remember when we speak of plans, it is not about enriching ourselves or seeking human glory, but about purposes in Christ.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
We all have earthly goals; we must live and move in this world. But we should never place our personal plans above God’s. If we do, we risk hindering the purposes He has for us and for our family.
Always remember: God sees from the future, while we only see from the present.
Pastor Emilio Pereira