According to Ellen White’s writings, knowing God’s will is a process that involves several key steps:
1. Surrender and Earnestness: God reveals His will to those who are truly earnest and anxious to be guided. A lack of desire to know and do God’s will leads to uncertainty (
3T 466.4).
2. Submission in Prayer: When we pray, we should submit our desires to God, saying, “Not my will, but Thine, be done,” trusting that He knows what is best for us and for the world (
MH 230.1;
GW 218.1).
3. Study and Consecration: Gaining knowledge of God comes from studying His word and living a life of daily consecration and service. This leads to the highest development of body, mind, and soul (8T 63).
4. Seeking God’s Will through Study: We must actively study to know God’s will, rather than simply following our own inclinations. Our hearts should continually ask, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” (
4T 53.3).
5. Obedience and Light: Jesus taught that those who are willing to do God’s will are given understanding. By faithfully performing the duties we already know, we are enabled to understand and do more (
SC 111.2).
6. The Bible as the Guide: God’s will is revealed in the Bible, and this is the essential knowledge for every believer (
CE 84.1).
7. Faith and Works: Those who live by faith in Christ desire nothing more than to know and do God’s will (
5T 644.1).
8. Obedience Brings Understanding: As we walk in humble obedience and fulfill God’s purpose, we will continue to grow in our understanding of His will (
MH 465.2).
Summary: Ellen White teaches that knowing God’s will involves earnest seeking, surrendering self, prayerful submission, diligent Bible study, and obedience to the light already given. As you walk in obedience and consecration, God reveals more of His will to you.
References:
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 466.4
- Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 230.1; Gospel Workers, p. 218.1
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 63
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 53.3
- Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 111.2
- Ellen G. White, Christian Education, p. 84.1
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 644.1
- Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 465.2