
Many times, people come seeking guidance, searching for God’s will in their lives. They want to know if they are on the right path, choosing the right career, or making the right decisions. The pressure to discern God’s specific plan can feel overwhelming. We often get caught up in this idea that God’s will is a tightly defined road we must find and stay on, lest we miss our true calling. But God’s Word tells us something different. It calls us to examine the posture of our hearts and how we walk with Him daily.
Scripture is clear about what God’s will truly is. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Notice what is emphasized: joy, prayer, gratitude—none of these are tied to a specific career or life path. These are attitudes of the heart that we are called to embody regardless of our station in life. God’s will isn’t limited to whether you become a teacher, a musician, a doctor, or a writer. His will is about who you are in Christ and how you live out that identity every day.
We read in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Here, God lays out a life centered on justice, mercy, and humility. He calls us not to a specific career path but to a posture of the heart that seeks to reflect His nature. When we walk humbly, acting justly, and loving mercy, we live within God’s will, regardless of where we find ourselves.
Think of Moses. He was raised in the courts of Egypt, destined for a life of luxury and power. But God had a different plan. Moses fled to the desert and became a shepherd, seemingly a far cry from the leadership he would eventually assume. It wasn’t the career or position that mattered; it was his willingness to follow God’s call when the time came. And even when he felt inadequate, God reminded him that it wasn’t his strength or position that mattered, but his obedience and trust in God’s power.
Or take the story of Esther. She didn’t seek to become a queen as a career move. Yet, when placed in a position where she could influence the fate of her people, she chose to act with courage. “For such a time as this,” she was called (Esther 4:14). It was her faith and courage that aligned with God’s will, not the royal crown on her head. She wasn’t defined by her title but by her willingness to step into God’s plan with a heart of obedience and love.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus Himself living this principle. While He had a specific mission—to seek and save the lost—His earthly occupation was that of a carpenter before His ministry began. Even then, the years of ministry He embarked upon were marked by service, humility, and obedience to the Father. He said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38). Jesus teaches us that God’s will is found not in the specific tasks we perform but in our surrender to God’s purpose in whatever we do.
The question then isn’t whether being a musician, a teacher, a business owner, or even a minister is God’s will for your life. The question is whether your heart is postured to live out God’s will daily, wherever you are. You might find yourself in a position you never planned—a career change, a loss, or an unexpected opportunity. Are you willing to submit your circumstances to God, to let Him use you where you are, and to let your heart be shaped by His Spirit?
Paul experienced a life filled with drastic changes. From being a persecutor of Christians to becoming one of the most influential apostles, his journey was anything but linear. In Philippians 4:11-13, he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul wasn’t tied to a single path. His calling was to preach the Gospel, yes, but how that manifested varied greatly. Through shipwrecks, imprisonments, and missionary journeys, his posture of heart remained steadfast in Christ. This is the essence of God’s will—a heart content in all circumstances, trusting that His purpose will be fulfilled no matter where the road leads.
You may wonder, “What if I make a wrong choice?” Friend, God is sovereign, and His grace is sufficient even when we stumble. Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us this assurance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The focus here isn’t on making the perfect decision every time but on trusting God and submitting to Him in every situation. It’s about the posture of our hearts, seeking to honor Him, love others, and walk in obedience.
James reminds us of the fleeting nature of our plans: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:13-15). It’s not the career path that defines us, but our humble recognition that our lives are in God’s hands. We live, move, and have our being according to His will, not our own plans or ambitions.
Does this mean that our careers don’t matter to God? Certainly not! He cares deeply about every aspect of our lives, including our work. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” The point is that God’s will transcends our job titles and career paths. His will is for us to work heartily, with a spirit that honors Him in all circumstances. When we grasp this truth, we can find peace in knowing that God’s purpose for us is not confined to one specific job or role. It is instead rooted in how we live, love, and serve Him wherever He places us.
So, what is the posture of your heart today? Are you chasing after a career, hoping it will fulfill God’s will for your life? Or are you seeking to align your heart with His will, regardless of where He leads you? Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God’s will is that we seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else. When we do this, our steps will be ordered, our path made clear, and our lives filled with purpose, whether we find ourselves in the boardroom, the classroom, the mission field, or the home.
In the end, God’s will is not some hidden treasure we must uncover. It’s a call to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). It’s a daily choice to walk humbly with Him, act justly, love mercy, and give thanks in all circumstances. This is the posture of the heart that aligns with God’s will. And when we live this way, no matter where life takes us, we can be assured that we are walking in His purpose.