Based on Ellen White's writings, here is comprehensive guidance on knowing God's will: ## The Foundation: Willingness and Surrender Ellen White emphasizes that knowing God's will begins with a willing heart: **"Christ has said, 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching'"** (SC 111.2). The key principle is that **"The Lord reveals His will to those who are earnest and anxious to be guided"** (3T 466.4). She stresses the importance of complete surrender: **"The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted"** (MB 142.1). When 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"** (MH 176.2). ## Primary Methods for Knowing God's Will ### 1. Prayerful Bible Study **"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). Ellen White emphasizes that **"The will of God is revealed in his written word, and this is the essential knowledge"** (CE 84.1). She provides specific guidance for Bible study: **"We should come with reverence to the study of the Bible, feeling that we are in the presence of God... 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). ### 2. Earnest 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). The proper attitude in prayer is submission: **"while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, 'Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done'"** (MH 230.1). ### 3. Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance **"Those who place themselves under God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch the steady tread of the events ordained by Him to take place"** (7T 14.2). Ellen White explains that **"The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart"** (COL 149.3). ## Practical Steps for Discernment ### Start with What You Already Know **"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. 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). ### Maintain the Right Heart Attitude **"We must come with a humble and teachable spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM. Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our minds and harden our hearts that we shall not be impressed by the truth"** (TSS 121). ### Seek Counsel from Sanctified Reason **"With earnest prayer for wisdom, make the work of God your study. Take counsel of sanctified reason, surrendered wholly to God"** (7T 214.1). ## The Result of Knowing God's Will When we truly know and follow God's will, Ellen White describes the outcome: **"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). She promises that **"Those who study the Bible, counsel with God, and rely upon Christ will be enabled to act wisely at all times and under all circumstances"** (5T 43.1). The ultimate goal is complete alignment with God's purposes: **"'What wilt Thou have me to do?' should be the earnest, anxious inquiry of your heart"** (4T 53.3). Ellen White's counsel shows that knowing God's will is not mysterious or impossible—it requires a surrendered heart, diligent study of Scripture, earnest prayer, and willingness to act on the light already given.