We find it easier to recognise someone and understand their behaviour when we know them well. This same principle applies to our relationship with God. The more substantial our knowledge of him, the more able we are to work out what he wants us to do. This is one of the reasons that Bible study and meditation is such a vital part of every Christian's journey to spiritual maturity. To truly determine whether or not something you feel you're called to do is part of God's plan or not, you'll need to study his character in the way it is presented in the Bible. In the meantime, the following Bible verses all provide some insight into the nature of God's will in terms of how it is relayed, what it refers to and how it is carried out.

Psalm 40:8 - I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 6:10 - Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

John 7:17 - Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

Colossians 1:9-10 - For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 - It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 - This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Peter 2:15 - For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.