According to Ellen G. 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. It is important to actively seek to know and do God's will, rather than simply following personal inclinations (
3T 466.4;
4T 53.3).
2. Submission and Prayer: When praying, we should submit our desires to God, saying, “Not my will, but Thine, be done.” This attitude of submission, modeled by Jesus in Gethsemane, is essential for understanding God's guidance (
MH 230.1;
GW 218.1).
3. Study of God’s Word: The Bible is the primary source for knowing God's will. Through diligent study and daily consecration, we gain the knowledge necessary for true godliness (8T 63;
CE 84.1).
4. Obedience and Practice: As we obey the light we already have, God will reveal more. Fulfilling known duties prepares us to understand and perform those things that are still unclear (
SC 111.2;
MH 465.2).
5. Consecration and Service: By choosing to serve God and surrendering our will to Him, He works in us to accomplish His good pleasure, bringing our whole nature under Christ’s control (
MH 176.2).
In summary, Ellen White teaches that knowing God's will comes through earnest seeking, surrender, prayerful submission, Bible study, and practical obedience. As we walk in the light we have, God will continue to reveal more of His will to us.
References:
- Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 466.4
- Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 53.3
- The Ministry of Healing, p. 230.1; Gospel Workers, p. 218.1
- Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 63
- Christian Education, p. 84.1
- Steps to Christ, p. 111.2
- The Ministry of Healing, p. 465.2; p. 176.2
If you would like more specific guidance or examples, please let me know!