Leading The Way - Devotional for December 29
December 29, 2025
Discerning the Will of God
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
There is a great deal of misconception about what it means to discern the will of God for your life. I have met people who mistakenly thought that by accepting the will of God for their lives, they would no longer experience pain or suffering. However, the Truth is that pain and suffering are a part of life as members of the human race in a fallen world. The only time we’ll be free of pain and suffering is in heaven.
A second misconception regarding the will of God is that suffering only results from our own sin—our own neglect of God’s will. When going through trials, some Christians think, “I must be out of the will of God,” and they torment themselves about this failure. But this idea is demonstrably false. Sometimes suffering comes precisely as a result of living a righteous life. In fact, 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, . . .”
A third misconception about the will of God is regarding the call of God. Many Christians assume that only those who go into full-time ministry have a call of God on their lives because that’s the only way God calls people. Actually, doctors, truck drivers, business entrepreneurs, homemakers, and many others all have the call of God on their lives, not just those who go into full-time ministry.
A fourth misconception about the will of God is that you will be completely fulfilled in your chosen profession—and if not, you must not have followed God’s will. But your fulfillment is never in your vocation; in fact, your fulfillment should not be in anybody or anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ. It is wonderful to love what you’re doing, but your ultimate fulfillment and identity must be rooted in Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word that guides me as I seek Your will for my life. When I am faced with trials and difficulties, help me remember that I should expect challenges and rejoice in knowing that You are working through them for my good. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. . . . To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Vision for Life, Part 3: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
Want more devotionals from Leading The Way? Sign up for MY Devotional and have a devotional delivered directly to your inbox daily!
PARTNER WITH US
We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at ltw.org.
Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
