The 11th Step of AA states: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with G‑d as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."

As a Rabbi, I am always asked an obvious question: How do I know what G‑d's will is for me? Does He call? Do I get a text message? Is He on Facebook?

When I was first introduced to the Twelve Step program, and to the concept of making life decisions based on G‑d's will, I was totally baffled. If I had a direct line to G‑d, if I knew what G‑d wanted from me, I didn't need the program! If G‑d would only let me know what is expected of me, then I would surely follow His direction in every area of my life. I would lead a "perfectly" spiritual lifestyle.

The truth is that, in many areas, I do know G‑d's will, but I just can't manage to always follow through. I know that G‑d doesn't want me to lie. I know that G‑d wants me to be kind to every human being. The whole Bible, the whole Talmud and the whole Code of Jewish Law are telling me precisely what G‑d's will is; and I can assure you that although I try hard, I don't succeed in following all of it.

My answer to the question then, is that I must first commit to accepting and obeying G‑d's will for me before I can find out what it is.

Here is an example: I have a tough choice to make today. Should I accept the job at this prestigious firm, or should I stay with my current employer? So, I pray to G‑d to guide me to make the right decision. I claim that I want to know G‑d's will for me. But do I really want to know G‑d's will? Will I really follow through if I find it out?

Here is the litmus test: If I just got a phone call or a text message from G‑d, and He said to me, "Quit your job, but don't join the prestigious firm. I would rather that you be unemployed for a few years.” Or maybe G‑d is messaging me on Facebook and says, "I would like you to become a janitor at a public school.” Now my initial reaction is to hang up, or just pretend I never read his message. Come to think of it, I should really unfriend Him from my Facebook.

But, really, if I am able to accept G‑d's will for me, no matter what it is, no matter if it wasn't on the menu, no matter if it wasn't one of the options that I was willing to go with, then I know that I have the willingness to follow through on G‑d's will for me. Then I don't need to worry what the will of G‑d is. I just need to carry on — and know that the will of G‑d will manifest in my life – because I am ready for it.