What does it mean to be in the will of God?
To be in God's will means that in your life you are carrying out what Gods purpose is for you. You are fulfilling God's desires or wishes in your life. God really does have a purpose for each and every one of us. As our Father he also has our best interest at heart.
           The majority of God's will for your life has to do with your relationship with him. Where you live, work, go to school or whom you marry are all secondary issues. God cares about your character more than where you live work or go to school. Yet God does indeed care about all of the little details in your life. Yet it seems to be these secondary issues where we most often get confused about what God's will is for our life.
         It is in these secondary issues that the will of God is often spoken of as some kind of mystery. Although it may be true that we may not know what the Lord would have us do in every situation; that has little to do with being in the will of God. Being in the will of God is not solely dependent upon our understanding of it. The simplest way that I can think of to answer the question "How do I find the will of God? Is to answer, "By walking in it!"
            When I am hiking a path out in the woods I cannot see the end of the path from where I start. I have to follow it. If I leave the path and go out in the bushes I may not see the path at all, but it is still there. Sometimes I may come across fallen trees, landslides, snow or other obstacles that obstruct the view of the path. Due to obstacles I have at times lost sight of the path. I have found that, if I keep going in the same direction and look for it; I can find the path again. Sometimes the path is steep and hard yet rewarding! Following the will of God for your life is very similar. The farther off the path you go the harder it will be to get back on track. You may even have to look at a map or ask someone for directions. In other words reading your bible or seeking godly counsel.

How has God led people in the past?
           God has led people in a number of different ways in the past. In Exodus God led Moses and his people in the desert with a cloud and a pillar of fire. God has led people in the Old Testament through prophets and signs. God also has led people using angels, dreams and visions. God has spoken to people directly and through others.  There is no set pattern that God is limited to in leading his people. Yet we are to always seek God for his guidance.

We can see in scripture that making plans and decisions without consulting the Lord is not wise.

Isa 30:1-2 Woe to the rebellious children," declares the LORD, "Who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin; Who proceed down to Egypt, without consulting me, to take refuge in the safety of Pharaoh, and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!

Prov 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.