Introduction

In our daily walk with God, it is essential to understand His will and align our lives accordingly. His will encompasses both the overarching purpose for creation and the specific guidance He provides for our individual lives. Throughout the Bible, God’s plan for humanity is revealed as one of love, redemption, and transformation.  Yet, many factors can hinder the unfolding of His perfect plan. 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 self-centered 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 is, the most common obstacles that block it from coming to pass, and practical steps we can take to avoid those hindrances and live fully aligned with 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.  This plan includes both His redemptive purpose for all of creation and the moral guidelines He provides for each of us individually:

• General Will: This includes the grand narrative of salvation, the restoration of all things, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

God’s mysterious macro plan is revealed in Ephesians 1, He wants to unite all things in the the heavens and the earth under the leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, …in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in Him.” – Ephesians 1: 3-10

He 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 and our need to align ourselves with Him to achieve the best results.

 

• Personal Will: On a personal level, God’s will pertains to the choices we make daily. For example, we are encouraged to seek God’s guidance in decisions and not trust our own thinking or emotions. God invites us to relinquish our limited perspectives in favor of His perfect wisdom.

“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.”  – Proverbs 3:5-6

Discerning God’s will does not come from some rigid formula but comes from cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. As we engage in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and engage with a community of believers, we can begin to understand the divine purposes that God has set before us and align ourselves with it.

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 in due time.

“Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’”  –  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 that counter to popular belief that what you don’t know can’t hurt you, we are being destroyed because we have not gathered the right knowledge.

 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – Hosea 4:6

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, and He promises to give it to us.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5

Biblical Example: The Pharisees had great religious knowledge but lacked true understanding of God’s heart and intention, 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.

“…if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – 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.

 “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.” – Isaiah 59:2

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, success —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:

There are active evil forces working against God, His agenda for creation, and His agenda for our success. They can blind us to God’s call, they can distract us from our purpose, they can delay the flow of his blessings, and they can destroy things we love.

“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

Biblical Example: Daniel 10 describes a delay in answered prayer due to demonic resistance, showing that unseen battles affect earthly outcomes.

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). Listen to good bible based preachers. 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)

In Conclusion

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.