How to know if something is not God's will?

Discerning God's will is a central part of the Christian faith. Whether you’re facing a major life decision, considering a new opportunity, or simply wondering whether a particular desire or action aligns with God’s plan, it’s important to have a clear sense of whether something is or isn’t God’s will for your life. While the process of seeking God's will can sometimes be challenging, there are clear signs that can help you identify if something is not aligned with His divine purpose. Understanding these signs can help you avoid the wrong path and stay aligned with God's perfect will.

In this article, we will explore several ways you can discern when something is not God's will for you, drawing on principles from Scripture, prayer, and spiritual discernment.

1. It Contradicts Scripture

The Bible is the ultimate guide for knowing God’s will. God will never lead you to do something that goes against His Word. If something you are considering directly contradicts what is taught in Scripture, it is a clear sign that it is not God’s will. God's commands are meant to protect us and guide us toward good, and He will never call you to do something that violates His Word.

Key Signs:

Sinful behavior: If an action or decision leads you toward sin, whether through dishonesty, greed, hatred, or any form of rebellion against God’s moral standards, it is not from Him. (Romans 6:16)
Conflicts with biblical principles: For example, if the decision requires you to compromise your faith, disregard truth, or act in ways that would hurt others, it cannot be God’s will. (Matthew 22:37-39)

Always compare the choices you're facing with biblical teachings. If it’s not in line with God’s Word, then it’s likely not His will.

2. It Causes Anxiety and Unease

God often speaks to us through the peace that He gives, but decisions that are not aligned with His will often bring about anxiety, fear, or restlessness. While it's normal to feel some fear when stepping out in faith, decisions that are not from God tend to leave you feeling unsettled or uneasy deep within your spirit. This discomfort can be a sign that something isn’t right.

Key Signs:

Lack of inner peace: When you are considering something that isn’t God's will, you may experience a nagging sense of unease, doubt, or confusion. This feeling might be subtle, but it’s often a sign that the decision is not in line with God’s best for you.
Constant worry or stress: If pursuing something makes you feel overwhelmed and anxious, even if you try to convince yourself otherwise, it may not be God’s plan for you.

God leads us with peace (Philippians 4:7). If there is a lack of peace or persistent anxiety, it might indicate that the decision is not from Him.

3. It Doesn't Reflect God’s Character

God’s will for your life will always reflect His character and nature. If something leads you to act in ways that are unloving, self-centered, or contrary to God's love, kindness, humility, and truth, it’s not from Him. God's will is always good, loving, and aimed at bringing glory to Him and blessing to others.

Key Signs:

Selfish motives: If the decision centers around personal gain, status, or comfort at the expense of others, it is not likely aligned with God's will (Philippians 2:3-4).
Disharmony with God's love: If the decision causes you to act out of anger, hatred, or manipulation, it is inconsistent with the character of God.

God’s will leads us to act in ways that reflect His love and righteousness, not in ways that contradict His holy nature (1 John 4:8).

4. It Leads You Away from God

Any decision that causes you to drift away from God or diminishes your relationship with Him is not His will. God desires that we grow closer to Him and seek Him in all things. If a choice leads you to neglect your time in prayer, Bible study, or fellowship with other believers, it may be a sign that it’s not aligned with His plan.

Key Signs:

Neglect of spiritual life: If pursuing a particular path leads to a diminished focus on God or takes you away from the things that help you grow spiritually, such as church, Bible reading, or prayer, it is not from God. (James 4:8)
Spiritual stagnation: If the decision makes you feel spiritually dry or disconnected, it’s a signal that it might not be God’s will.

God desires that we seek Him above all else, and His plans for us will always draw us nearer to Him, not farther away (Matthew 6:33).

5. It Feels Rushed or Forced

God’s will unfolds in His perfect timing. If something feels rushed or pressured, or if you feel the need to make a decision quickly without proper thought or prayer, it is a red flag. While there may be times when God leads us to act quickly in faith, God’s will usually brings clarity and peace, and doesn't cause us to act impulsively or out of fear.

Key Signs:

Hasty decisions: If you feel pushed into making a decision too quickly or under external pressure, without adequate time for prayer or counsel, it might not be God's will.
Lack of preparation: If you feel unprepared, unsure, or unequipped to handle the decision, and the situation feels more like an obligation than a calling, it may not be aligned with God’s timing.

God’s will is always timely, and He will provide you with the wisdom, resources, and confirmation needed to move forward (Proverbs 3:5-6).

6. It Leads to Negative Consequences

God’s will is ultimately for our good. When we follow His will, we experience growth, peace, and blessings. However, decisions that are not from God can often lead to negative consequences—whether it’s personal harm, relational strain, or negative impacts on others. While not every challenge or hardship is a sign that something isn’t from God (because God often uses difficult situations for growth), consistent negative outcomes without resolution or peace may indicate that the decision is not aligned with His will.

Key Signs:

Ongoing difficulties: If the decision consistently leads to more complications, pain, or confusion, even after attempting to resolve the situation, it may be an indicator that it wasn’t God's will.
Lack of fruit: God’s will bears good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). If the decision leads to negative or destructive outcomes, it’s likely not in line with God's plan.

While challenges can arise even when we follow God’s will, prolonged and unresolved negative consequences may point to a misaligned decision.

7. It Doesn’t Pass the Test of Wise Counsel

God has given us the gift of wise counsel from other believers who can help us discern His will. If you're unsure about a decision, seek input from spiritually mature people you trust—such as pastors, mentors, or other Christians who have demonstrated a strong relationship with God. If the counsel you receive contradicts your sense of peace or feels unwise, it might be a sign that the decision is not aligned with God’s will.

Key Signs:

Godly counsel: If trusted believers advise you against a decision or point out potential pitfalls, their advice should be taken seriously. Often, God speaks through the wisdom of others (Proverbs 11:14).
No confirmation: If you do not receive confirmation or encouragement from others who are spiritually discerning, it could be a sign that the decision is not from God.

God uses the wisdom of others to confirm His direction and keep us on the right path (Proverbs 15:22).

8. It Leads to Spiritual Doubt

Finally, a decision that is not in line with God’s will will often lead to spiritual doubt or confusion. God does not lead us into confusion or doubt; He gives us clarity and assurance when we walk in His will (1 Corinthians 14:33). If a decision is causing you to question your faith, or if it is creating division in your relationship with God, it’s likely not His will.

Key Signs:

Increased doubt: If the decision leads to spiritual confusion or questions that make you feel distanced from God, it may be a sign that it’s not from Him.
Spiritual unease: If you feel disconnected from your faith or unsure about God’s goodness in the midst of making the decision, it’s important to pause and reassess.

God’s will will never lead you into doubt about His goodness, purpose, or promises.

Conclusion: Trusting God’s Leading

Discerning when something is not God’s will is just as important as recognizing His will. By examining your decisions in light of Scripture, seeking peace, relying on wise counsel, and paying attention to spiritual fruit, you can learn to identify when something is not aligned with God’s perfect plan for your life. Trust that God will provide the wisdom, clarity, and guidance you need, and remember that He will never lead you down a path that is ultimately harmful or contradictory to His Word.