And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2) KJV.

So, what does it mean to prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God? The English Standard Version of the Bible says by testing you may discern what the will of God is. So how do we test and discern what is God’s will? Firstly, to prove or test means to examine, to try something to determine if it is the perfect will of God.

The Bible says do not despise prophecies but test everything and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Why is it important to prove and test everything? If we do not know the will of God, then we will be led astray by false doctrine. John says not to believe every spirit but try the spirit whether they are of God because there will be many false prophets. He says every spirit that confesses that Jesus came in the flesh is of God (1 John 4:1-3). The Bible says we should not let anyone deceive us with empty words because this can lead to disobedience and the wrath of God upon us. We need to test and discern what is pleasing to the Lord. We need to look carefully at how we walk, being wise. We are to make that extra effort to understand what the will of God is and not be foolish (Ephesians 5:6-17).

The Renewal of Our Minds

Romans 12:2 says that we are to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. It goes on to say by the renewal of our minds we can prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. The ultimate goal is that our minds be like Jesus’s mind. We are to have the mind of Christ, and this will bring us closer to knowing the perfect will of God. When we have the mind of Christ, we will seek the interest of the Father, and we will know what His will is. We will be able to discern what is of Him and what is not. But for most of us, we are still in the process of renewing our minds by spending time with God, by consuming the word and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us. Therefore, it is a work in progress, and we do not always know what the will of God is. So how do we prove and discern?

The Word (which is God)

God has given us his word (The Bible) which teaches us about who He is. The word of God is God himself (John 1:1). It renews our mind and can help us to prove what is the perfect will of God. The word is breathed out by God, profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, training the righteous, making us complete and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The word is to be used to prove or test everything to determine if it is of God or not. The word helps us to know God and know what He wants of us. So, when we prove something, we should ask is it in conflict with the word of God. God’s will cannot conflict with the word of God.

Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Holy Spirit is there with us always, guiding us and teaching us as we consume the word. He helps us to understand the word of God and in so understand who God is and what is His will. He helps us to know what is of God and what is not. Lean on him and be mindful that he is with us always, guiding us and teaching us. So, let us be reminded to listen for the Holy Spirit to help us discern.

Counsel in the Body

The Bible teaches us that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (1 Corinthians 13). It also urges us to seek counsel from others in the body of Christ. Proverbs tells us where there is no counsel the people fail (Proverbs 11:14). Seek counsel from the body of Christ. Take notice of what God is saying through His people around us. Listen and seek help with discerning His will.  

Do Not Conform to this world

God has equipped us with everything good so that we may do His will and do that which is pleasing in His sight (Hebrews 13:20-21). He has given us all that we need to be able to do what He wants of us. But when we get distracted by the things of this world, we tend to drift away from God and knowing His will becomes harder. So, let us remind ourselves daily to release our grip on the things of the world and hold on tightly to God. Let us surround ourselves with Him, with His word, with prayer and with the community in the body of Christ.

Learn, and Keep on Learning

Paul speaks about what pleases God. It is bearing fruit in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened in all power according to God, having endurance and patience with joy and giving thanks to the Father for redemption. (Colossians 1:10-14). The Bible teaches us about what is of God and so the more we are consuming the word the more we learn. The more we learn the better we can discern what is pleasing to God and what is not. Another great example is Jesus teaching us that the one who speaks in his own authority seeks his own glory. But the one who seeks the glory of God then he is speaking the truth (John 7:17:18). So, let us continue to press on and keep on learning more about God and what His will is.

Prayer (Ask God)

These are just a few examples of the things we do to improve our ability to discern the will of God. But each situation may be different, and that is why an important thing to do is seek God for His counsel.

Paul says that he prayed for the people to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (Colossians 1:9). So, we can pray for this knowledge for ourselves. Seek the counsel of God when we are unsure. Ask Him, and He will give wisdom (James 1:5). God’s word tells us to ask and keep on asking.

So, let us be persistent in prayer and ask Him.

And not just speak to Him, but we need to listen to Him also.

Listen for His voice.

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.