Walking in God’s Will?—Or Just Walking In Circles?

Some people seem to thrive in chaos. They move quickly, shifting from one urgent matter to the next, always surrounded by the “fog of war.” Chaos, in a strange way, becomes a shield—an excuse not to stop, not to reflect, and not to be held accountable. But while chaos might mimic urgency, it rarely serves mission. In the end, the focus in chaos tends to shift from God to self.

The real antidote to chaos is not more structure—it is calling. Organization is helpful, yes. It provides order and supports efficiency. But calling gives meaning. It provides clarity in the midst of confusion, stability in the storms of disappointment, and courage when doors close unexpectedly. When you know your calling, you are not easily shaken. You know that you have been placed in your position for a reason, by a God who is not random or forgetful.

I have previously written on the topic of “Calling” in a post entitled “Know Your Calling”. But lately I have been thinking more on this topic and have decided to expand it a bit with a series on the topic and include some resources for those struggling with knowing what Gods calling is in their lives. In this three-part series, we will explore the power, process, and purpose of discovering God’s calling for your life and ministry. And to begin, we’re turning to one of my favorite authors—Morris Venden.

Discovering God’s Will with Morris Venden

Morris Venden’s book How to Know God’s Will in Your Life provides a deeply practical and devotional framework for answering one of the most urgent questions any committed Christian will face: How can I be sure I’m following God’s plan for me?

Venden’s Key Themes:

1. God’s Will Is Personal, Not Just Procedural
   Discovering God’s will is not about decoding secret instructions—it’s about drawing near to God. As your relationship with Him deepens, His will becomes clearer through Scripture, prayer, and the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit.
2. Three Types of God’s Will
   • God’s Ultimate Will – His sovereign plan that will unfold no matter what.
   • God’s Moral Will – Always revealed in Scripture, calling us to righteousness.
   • God’s Personal Will – Specific to your life and decisions: career, relationships, ministry.
3. Relationship Comes Before Revelation
   We often want direction, but God wants connection. If we seek Him first, He promises to lead—even when the next steps feel unclear.
4. God’s Will Isn’t a Tightrope
   Venden breaks the myth that there’s only one “right” path. Faithful choices, made with a surrendered heart, are part of walking in God’s will.
5. Peace and Patience Are Key
   Guidance often comes gradually. Instead of forcing doors open, we are invited to wait on God’s peace.
6. Practical Tools to Discern God’s Will
   Venden suggests asking:
   • Does this align with God’s Word?
   • Will it bring me closer to Jesus?
   • Am I moving with peace or pushing with pressure?

Above all, he reminds us: God is more interested in guiding you than you are in being guided.

This book is more than a manual; it’s a companion for the spiritual traveler who longs to live within God’s will but often feels unsure of the road.

A Personal Word to Medical Missionaries and Ministry Workers

If you are a pastor, physician, administrator, or student—especially within the Seventh-day Adventist Church—your calling is not just a career; it is a divine assignment. But like many of us, you may wrestle with questions such as:

• Am I where God wants me to be?
• Is this the path He has chosen, or the one I chose for myself?
• What do I do with doubt, delay, or disappointment?

Reading Venden’s book devotionally, one chapter at a time, may be just the nudge your heart needs. It is not a book of formulas, but of friendship with God—because calling is born out of communion.

Preview of What’s Ahead

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore Carl Coffman’s The Thrill of Living Within God’s Will, and how surrender and daily obedience reveal divine direction over time.

In Part 3, we’ll walk through practical questions and biblical reflections to help you examine where you are—and where God may be leading you next.

A Call to Reflect and Begin

Take time this week to begin your own journey of clarity. Here’s how:

• Pray daily — Not for answers alone, but for a deeper awareness of God’s presence.
• Journal honestly — Where have you sensed God’s prompting? Where have you resisted?
• Read devotionally — Begin with Venden’s book, and let it walk you through a quiet, thoughtful exploration of your calling.
• Talk with others — Invite trusted voices into your journey. Sometimes others can see what we are blind to in ourselves.

God is not hiding His will from you. He is drawing you near so that His voice becomes unmistakable—not through fear, but through friendship.

Let this be the season you pause, listen, and step forward with clarity.

Because the greatest thrill is not in knowing all the answers—but in knowing the One who’s calling your name.

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