How can I tell what God's plan is?

TL;DR:

God wants His children to know and follow His will in general and His plan for their lives, specifically. We can know God’s plan by knowing His Word and walking in His ways..

We can tell what God’s plan is by reading His Word, which reveals both His overarching purpose for humanity and His specific will for our lives. God's plan is always good, sovereign, and unshakable, even when it’s not fully clear to us (Jeremiah 29:11; Job 42:2). His will includes salvation, sanctification, joy, prayer, and gratitude (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:16-18). While many people seek specific answers to know God’s plan, much of God’s plan is already revealed in Scripture, inviting us to live faithfully, follow Jesus, and bring Him glory (Romans 12:2). No matter what we do, if we seek to glorify Him, we live within His plan (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we grow in relationship with God through prayer, obedience, walking in the Spirit rather than in the flesh, and in community, He unfolds His plan step by step (James 4:8).

from the old testament

God’s plans are good, hopeful, and purposeful—even when we don’t see the full picture (Jeremiah 29:11).
Our ideas are many, but God’s plan is final and sovereign (Proverbs 19:21).
God’s plan cannot be stopped by any circumstance or person (Job 42:2).
God knows the end from the beginning. His purpose always succeeds (Isaiah 46:10).

from the new testament

God works every detail—even the hard parts—for good in the lives of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
God’s plan is intentional, eternal, and in line with His perfect will (Ephesians 1:11).
God saves us and calls us to a holy calling, rooted in His purpose, not our performance (2 Timothy 1:9).
God’s will for us is clearly revealed in Scripture. He desires for us to be saved and come to know the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4), to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we can discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2), and to be sanctified, turning away from sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3). God calls us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is His will in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Ultimately, His will is for us to live holy lives, do good, and walk in faith (1 Peter 2:15).
God’s plan for humanity is His overarching purpose to redeem, restore, and unite all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10). It includes salvation through Jesus, the transformation of believers, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. In contrast, God’s specific plans for us are personal and reflect how we each fit into that greater story. These include our unique callings, relationships, and the good works He has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), all guided by His wisdom and love for our lives individually.

implications for today

God has given us plenty of His plan for us to follow. God’s plan is discernible through the Bible by God’s Spirit. For example, the New Testament contains various passages with commands to obey, so by reading them, we have plenty of opportunities to follow His will and plan.

Here is one example: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). These three assignments, to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always, may offer enough instructions to follow for a lifetime!

However, most people want specific answers to life circumstances. Again, day-to-day instructions can be found in the Bible. Scripture provides guidance on how God calls us to live, specifically explaining how to honor and glorify Him in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Also, by following Jesus, seeking to emulate Him, we find God's plan for our lives. When we offer ourselves to God and avoid the patterns of this world, we will be able to understand God's will (see 1 Peter 4:2).

He also communicates with us through circumstances, our relationships with those who strive to walk closely with Jesus, and other ways that are unique to each of us. Discerning God's plan is a spiritual muscle that must be exercised. He wants us to know Him, and know His will for our lives. The apostle James tells us to "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

understand

God’s plan for humanity is good, sovereign, and unshakable.
God’s plan for humanity is clearly outlined.
God's specific plan for us unfolds through relationship and obedience.

reflect

How do you understand the difference between God’s overarching plan for humanity and His specific plans for your life?
How can you align your daily choices with God's revealed will and plan for our lives as written in Scripture?
How do you see God's sovereignty and good plans working in your life?

engage

How can we encourage each other to remain faithful to God’s general plan when His specific plan for our lives is not immediately clear?
What role does community play in discerning God’s plan, and how can we support one another in understanding His will?
How can we differentiate between God's voice and other influences when seeking His specific plan for our lives?