“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

Every Christian has the desire to fulfil God’s will in their life. God made every single one of us with a purpose, and no one was made by accident no matter what your past may dictate about you. Every believer wants to know the will of God in their lives and to pursue it intently.

Yet at some point or another, Christians will come to dead ends, whether it’s a job opportunity shut down, a cross-country move cancelled or a relationship broken. In situations like this, the common concern is whether we should continue to press on and “fight the good fight of faith” or throw in the towel and conclude that it just wasn’t God’s will.

Here are three pointers on what to do when you’re unsure if your venture, relationship or ministry is still the will of God.

Offer it to God | “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”

The context of the word “body” here does not just mean the physical body, but the whole being. When we are unsure of whether we are still pursuing God’s will or not, the best place to start is to stop, offer it to God and allow Him to move on your behalf. When we no longer have the will to fight, invite God to fight your battles for you.

Shut out the world | “Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”

There are times when we’re convinced that something is God’s will because it’s what the world says is important. We chase after a business venture because the world tells us money is success. We chase after a relationship because the world tells us we need the approval of others. The world is the greatest distraction to the voice and will of God. Ask God for the wisdom to discern God’s voice and the voice of the world.

Open your mind | “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

God can never use closed-minded believers for His glory. It’s important we remain teachable and humble as we pursue God, ready to admit faults and mistakes. So maybe that ministry wasn’t for you. It’s alright. Admit you were wrong and go back to your first love. God isn’t asking us to perfectly follow the path, but to deliberately finish the race.

-Patrick Mabilog