Why Is God’s Will Not Always Done?
Introduction
In our daily walk with God, it is essential to understand His will and align our lives accordingly. Yet, many factors can hinder the unfolding of His perfect plan. In this blog, we will explore what God’s will truly means, identify common obstacles that block its manifestation, and offer practical steps to avoid these hindrances.
Throughout the Bible, God’s plan for humanity is revealed as one of love, redemption, and transformation. His will encompasses both the overarching purpose for creation and the specific guidance He provides for our individual lives. However, just as a clear road can be obscured by obstacles, our spiritual journey can be derailed by various influences. Sometimes, these obstacles come from external influences, but more often, they arise from within—our doubts, fears, distractions, and sinful tendencies. By understanding these barriers, we can take active steps to ensure that God’s will is done in our lives and in our communities. This post explores what God’s will truly is, the most common obstacles that block it, and how we can remove them to live fully in His purpose.
What Is God’s Will?
God’s will can be understood on multiple levels. At its core, it reflects His sovereign plan for the world, which includes both His redemptive purpose and the moral guidelines He provides for us:
- General Will: This includes the grand narrative of salvation, the restoration of all things, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Scripture tells us in passages like Romans 8:28 that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him”—a reminder of His continual involvement in every aspect of creation.
- Personal Will: On a personal level, God’s will pertains to the choices we make daily. The Bible encourages believers to seek God’s guidance in decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Here, God invites us to relinquish our limited perspectives in favor of His perfect wisdom.
Credible Christian authors such as John Piper and Tim Keller emphasize that discerning God’s will is not about rigid formulas but about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. They suggest that through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and community accountability, we can begin to understand the divine purposes that God has set before us.
Is God’s Will Always Done? Is He Really “In Control?”
God’s will is that all should come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9), yet not everyone does. This highlights a key biblical reality: while God’s will is perfect, He has also granted humans free will, which allows for rejection of His plans.
One major reason His will is not always realized is our own selfish desires. When we prioritize personal ambition, sin, or pride, we align ourselves with the enemy’s schemes rather than God’s perfect path.
The devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and he influences people through temptation, deception, and distraction.
Yet, despite human failures and spiritual opposition, God’s ultimate purposes will be accomplished (Isaiah 46:10). He calls believers to align with His will through obedience, prayer, and faith, so that His kingdom may be revealed on earth as it is in heaven.
Obstacles to Execution of God’s Will
Lack of Knowledge of God’s Will
God declares in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Many fail to walk in God’s will simply because they do not understand it. If you do not seek to know what God desires, how can you follow it?
Ignorance of His Word leads to confusion, poor decisions, and a life out of alignment with His purpose. God encourages us to seek wisdom and ask Him for understanding (James 1:5).
Biblical Example: The Pharisees had great religious knowledge but lacked true understanding of God’s heart, leading them to reject Jesus (Matthew 23:23-24).
Doubt and Unbelief in God’s Word
One of the greatest obstacles to God’s will is doubt—not just ordinary questioning but a deep unbelief in His promises and character. This was the enemy’s tactic in the Garden of Eden when he asked Eve, “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1).
When we question God’s truthfulness, faithfulness, or ability, we hesitate in obedience. James 1:6-7 warns that “the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” A person who constantly doubts God’s direction will struggle to take steps of faith.
Biblical Example: The Israelites doubted God’s ability to give them the Promised Land despite His miracles (Numbers 14). Their unbelief kept them wandering for 40 years instead of stepping into God’s will.
Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness is a serious obstacle that blocks the flow of God’s grace in our lives. Jesus made it clear that if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:15). Holding onto resentment hardens our hearts and distances us from God’s presence.
If we expect to receive God’s mercy and guidance, we must extend the same mercy to others. A heart filled with bitterness cannot be aligned with God’s will.
Biblical Example: The parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35) teaches that refusing to forgive others will result in severe consequences from God.
Sin and Selfish Desires
Sin directly opposes God’s will. Whether through pride, lust, greed, or disobedience, sin clouds our judgment and weakens our ability to hear God’s voice. Isaiah 59:2 states, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.” The more we entertain sin, the harder it becomes to recognize His leading.
Biblical Example: King Saul repeatedly disobeyed God, choosing his own desires over God’s instructions (1 Samuel 15). His rebellion cost him his kingdom.
Fear of Failure or Embarrassment
We can be paralyzed by fear. While doubt questions whether God is truthful, fear focuses on what could go wrong—failing, being rejected, or looking foolish in front of others. Many times, we know God’s will but hesitate to act because we fear failure or what people will think.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Fear is not from God, and when we allow it to control us, we miss opportunities to be used by Him.
Biblical Example: Peter walked on water toward Jesus but began to sink when fear overtook him (Matthew 14:30). His fear, not doubt in who Jesus was, caused him to stumble.
Worldly Distractions
Jesus warned about the “worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things” that choke out the Word (Mark 4:19). Our culture is filled with distractions—social media, entertainment, career ambitions—that can drown out God’s voice if we’re not careful.
Biblical Example: Martha was so distracted by serving that she missed the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary (Luke 10:38-42).
Spiritual Warfare:
Daniel 10 describes a delay in answered prayer due to demonic resistance, showing that unseen battles affect earthly outcomes.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
The Fallen World:
Jesus acknowledged that in this world, we will have trouble. The presence of sin and brokenness means that suffering and injustice can persist despite God’s desire for wholeness.
How to Overcome These Obstacles
- Repent and Turn from Sin – If sin is blocking God’s will in your life, confess and seek His grace (1 John 1:9).
- Seek Knowledge and Ask for Wisdom – Study the Bible and ask God to reveal His will to you (James 1:5).
- Fight Doubt with God’s Word – Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Regularly reading Scripture strengthens belief.
- Eliminate Distractions – Make time for prayer, worship, and Scripture instead of filling your mind with the noise of the world.
- Forgive Freely – Release bitterness and forgive others so that God’s grace can flow freely in your life (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Overcome Fear with Faith – Focus on God’s power rather than potential failure. Joshua 1:9 commands us to be strong and courageous.
References for Further Study
- The Bible (Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:6, Isaiah 59:2, Hosea 4:6)
- John Piper – “Desiring God” (Understanding God’s will as a pursuit of joy in Him)
- Tim Keller – “Walking with God through Pain and Suffering” (Trusting God’s plan despite obstacles)
- A.W. Tozer – “The Pursuit of God” (Deepening faith and reliance on God)
- C.S. Lewis – “Mere Christianity” (Overcoming doubt through reason and faith)
By identifying and overcoming these obstacles, we can live fully in God’s will, growing in faith and becoming vessels for His glory. Let’s trust Him, step out in boldness, and remove anything that hinders His perfect plan.
