Why is discerning God’s will important?

Acts 16:6-10Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

In life, you will have innumerable opportunities. Discerning God’s will helps you to recognize the opportunities with the best potential.

1 John 2:17This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

It is easy for earth-bound priorities to call our attention away from what we know God’s will to be. When we go along with these demands we are demonstrating a lack of attention to the brevity of our own lives and the direction of God’s intentions in history.

1 John 5:14We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

Asking God for his guidance in our lives is an excellent practice and lays the groundwork for every other form of prayer.