Based on the writings of Ellen White, knowing God's will is a process that involves studying His word, surrendering one's personal will, and seeking a life of sanctification through a relationship with Him. ### The Foundation: God's Word The primary source for understanding God's will is the Bible. It is presented as the direct revelation of His plans and thoughts. * "The knowledge of God is obtained from His word." (8T 63) * "The instruction that the Lord has given concerning His work points out the right way. God's plans and God's thoughts are as much higher than man's plans and man's thoughts as the heavens are higher than the earth. God's voice is to be heard, His wisdom is to guide. He has outlined His plan in His word and in the testimonies that He has sent to His people." (8T 235.2) * "In order to know the will of God, you must study it, rather than follow your inclinations and the natural bent of your own mind." (4T 53.3) ### The Surrender of Self A crucial step in knowing and following God's will is to surrender your own will to Him. * "If we choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ." (MH 176.2) * "Your will must be submerged in God's will. Seek not your own pleasure, but that of those around you; and in so doing you cannot but be happy." (2T 313.1) ### God's Revealed Will: Sanctification The Bible explicitly states that God's will for every person is their sanctification—being made holy. * "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification." (SL 86, quoting 1 Thessalonians 4:3) * "'This is the will of God' concerning you, 'even your sanctification.' 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Is it your will also? Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness." (AA 566.2) ### Practical Steps for Seeking Guidance In addition to studying His word, guidance can be found through prayer and by observing His providence. * **Prayer of Submission:** "The consistent course is to commit our desires to our all-wise heavenly Father, and then, in perfect confidence, trust all to Him. We know that God hears us if we ask according to His will. But to press our petitions without a submissive spirit is not right; our prayers must take the form, not of command, but of intercession." (GW 218.2) * **Follow Providence:** "We need to follow more closely God's plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for the indications of His providence—these are rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation." (Ed 267.3)