How can you know God's will?

The title of today's thought is indeed provoking.  It has been stated that "the will of God is the

hardest thing one can know."  Some things regarding His will are obvious, as seen in the Law
and the Commandments.  Other choices and decisions in our lives are not so clear.

So built we the wall;...for the people had a mind to work. 4.6

To open this study, let's turn to the book of Nehemiah.

How in the world, did Nehemiah know it was God's will for him to build back the walls of Jerusalem?

In a word, he didn't. Events just "played out" that way.   Take a look at the circumstances that brought him to this conclusion;

In Nehemiah 1.2, clearly, he was homesick and inquired after his fellow countrymen.  In addition to being told in 1.3, "the remnant were in great affliction," he is also told that "the walls were broken down and the gates burned."

1. In his initial response to this report Nehemiah, "wept, mourned, fasted and prayed."  He did this because he knew the reason for such calamity was the sins of the people. So, he begins to pray that the Lord in 1.4-10, would be merciful to this people.
2. Being the "king's cupbearer," he was in the presence of the king, probably daily.  Because of being frequently in the king's presence, the king notices this usual content servant is sad and wants to know why.  Nehemiah explains about his country and his desperation to help.  Being a favored servant, so it seems, the king grants Nehemiah his desire.  Arrangements are made and off he goes to rebuild the wall.  2.1-8.

There is, of course, much more to this story but the subject at hand is this; God did not tell Nehemiah specifically to do this thing.  Circumstances were so ordered from the High Courts of the Glory world that the man was moved in the direction His Creator ordained!

Next, let's examine the story of Esther.

The key verse in this book is,
"...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" 4.14.
Esther, whose Jewish name was "Hadassah," would've been a captive in this foreign land called "Shushan." (which is believed to be modern day Iraq).  She would've been a beautiful young maiden when one reads how she came to the king's palace.  She had no choice in where she was brought up  She had no choice in being an orphan in the care of her older and much loved cousin, Mordecai.  She certainly had no choice in the king's problems that caused her to be taken captive to the king's palace. 1.1-22
Ahh, but this is where "the plot thickens" as the saying goes.

1. She is brought in the presence of the King and her character as well as her beauty caused him to choose this young maiden for his queen.  2.17
2. A Jew in the house of the Persian King?  How could this possibly be God's will?
3. 3.7-13 A plot is hatched to destroy the Jews!  All for pride, arrogance and vengance!
4. Esther learns of the plot to destroy her people.  4.4  What is she to do?
5. 4.16  Esther had learned the ways of her people to pray, fast and seek God's will.  
6. She prepares a feast for her King.  She reveals what she knows of the who and what regarding the plot to annhialate her people, including herself! 5, 6.14, 7
7. The King, hearing the entire truth of the enemies plot takes action and the Jews are spared!

How could Esther have known God's will in taking her from her home and family?  In a word, "she couldn't."  But given the circumstances before, during and after she was queen, it is revealed that
"...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" 4.14.

To any reader of this blog entry, rest assured that if God's will is not direct to the heart, trust, by faith, circumstances may reveal it.  
Further, if one must make a decision, and there is no time to wait, then make the best decision available with the circumstances given, by faith.
Otherwise, "wait and live patiently."  (Ps 27.14)