If we know that it's a good thing to marry as part of the general will of God (Genesis 2:18), then how shall we know God's will about which specific man or woman to marry? If we believe that God's will extends to whether we should have a child, then how can we know for sure about that? And what about taking a job, buying a house or car and many of the other decisions we face?

The answers to such questions are easy: God has given you the freedom to do what you want, and that is his will for you.

How can this be? Simply because, within the context of his general will, God grants us free choice. It started back in the Garden of Eden when God said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden..." (Genesis 2:16). Adam and Eve knew one tree was excluded by the general will of God, but beyond that they did not have to ask him whether it was his will to eat a pomegranate or fig when they were hungry. This principle applies to all the concerns of life.

Let's take a look at just a few examples of how this matter of freedom works within the general will of God:

1. In John 5:35, Jesus said, "John (the Baptist) was a lamp that burned and light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light." The general will of God is that we "walk in the light," so Jesus could commend the free choice people made in walking in the light offered by John the Baptist. That was a good choice for them.

2. In 1 Corinthians 7:36, Paul talks about the pros and cons of marriage. He gives a number of principles which we would consider the general will of God (such as marrying only another follower of Jesus), but concludes by saying, "If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants."

3. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul says, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give..." The general will of God is that we honor him though tithes and offerings, but in specific cases we have the freedom to decide for ourselves exactly how much to give.

There are many other such examples.

Does this understanding of the will of God eliminate the need to speak to the Lord about these matters? No, but we must know what to pray about. Instead of asking Jesus if we should eat the pomegranate or the fig, we should be asking him for wisdom to properly use the information we have. The Bible teaches that "If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally..."(James 1:5). If we had to check in with Jesus for every decision, then this need for wisdom would be pointless.

Sometimes the wisdom comes though information we collect, sometimes through circumstances, sometimes through another person. It is a good habit to talk things over with a trusted adviser before exercising your freedom of choice.

Ultimately, this principle of the general and specific will of God works because of the truth of Proverbs 16:9: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."