Based on Ellen White's extensive writings on knowing God's will, here is comprehensive guidance on this vital spiritual topic: ## How to Know God's Will ### **1. Study God's Word with Humility** Ellen White emphasizes that God's will is revealed primarily through Scripture: "The will of God is revealed in his written word, and this is the essential knowledge" (CE 84.1). However, the approach to Bible study is crucial: "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). She stresses the importance of approaching Scripture with the right spirit: "We should come with reverence to the study of the Bible, feeling that we are in the presence of God. All lightness and trifling should be laid aside" (GW92 127.2). ### **2. Maintain Constant Prayer and Communication with God** "All who would become efficient workers must give much time to prayer. The communication between God and the soul must be kept open, that the workers may recognize the voice of their Captain" (GW 76.3). Prayer should be earnest and persistent: "Take every such suggestion to the Lord in prayer, and seek His guidance, not once only, but again and again. Plead with Him until you are convinced whether the counsel is of God or man" (CT 411.3). ### **3. Surrender Your Will Completely to God** A fundamental principle for knowing God's will is complete surrender: "The will must be placed on the side of God's will" (MB 142.1). Ellen White explains that "if you are 'willing to be made willing,' God will accomplish the work for you" (MB 142.1). She emphasizes: "When we have given ourselves wholly to Christ, and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment" (COL 326.2). ### **4. Be Willing to Do God's Will** Christ's promise is clear: "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching" (John 7:17, quoted in SC 111.2). Ellen White explains: "Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive greater light" (SC 111.2). ### **5. Seek the Holy Spirit's Guidance** "Every student, as he opens the Scriptures, should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and the promise is sure, that it will be given" (GW92 127.2). The Holy Spirit works with those who surrender: "The Spirit of God co-operates with the humble worker who abides in Christ and communes with him" (GW92 428.3). ### **6. Live Out What You Already Know** Ellen White teaches progressive revelation: "By the grace of Christ, perform every duty that has been made plain to your understanding, and you will be enabled to understand and perform those of which you are now in doubt" (SC 111.2). ### **7. Maintain a Humble, Teachable Spirit** "The Lord reveals His will to those who are earnest and anxious to be guided" (3T 466.4). She warns that pride and self-will block divine guidance: "Your will is not surrendered to God; your thoughts are not holy. You go on, stumbling along in darkness, not knowing where to place your feet" (3T 466.4). ### **8. Submit to God's Timing and Methods** Even when we don't understand, we should pray as Jesus did: "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done" (Luke 22:42, quoted in MH 230.1). Ellen White notes: "God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men" (MH 230.1). ### **The Result of Following God's Will** When we truly know and follow God's will, Ellen White promises: "The soul that lives by faith on Christ desires no other nor greater good than to know and to do the will of God" (5T 644.1). This brings peace, direction, and spiritual growth as we become "laborers together with God" (8T 141.1). The key is remembering that knowing God's will is not just an intellectual exercise, but requires complete surrender, faithful obedience to known truth, and constant communion with God through prayer and Bible study.