God's Direction

Just thinking this morning about how God works in our lives to give us direction... Psalms 37:23 says "A person’s steps are directed by the Lord..." GWV, but sometimes it can be difficult to know if you are on the right track.

One thing that helped over the years was an out of print book a friend gave us that offered some great advice about guidance. The book described some basic ways that God leads us:
 
God speaks through His Word. He is not going to tell you to do something that goes against what the Bible says. He does not lead us through fear, through condemnation, nor through control or manipulation. His ways are peaceful. One interpretation of Colossians 3:15 is, “…Let the peace of God be the umpire in your hearts.” In other words, let God’s peace lead you as it rules in your heart.

He leads through His still small voice. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me,” John 10:27. Today it seems odd to most people to hear someone say “God told me,” because in the Western world, science has told us that nothing exists outside of our five senses. However, the truth is, God does speak to our hearts. He mostly speaks through His word, but sometimes through an impression, through other believers, and through preaching. Sometimes we just “know in our knower” as a great Bible teacher used to say.

He might even speak to us by other supernatural means; dreams or visions. For example, look at how He spoke to Saul the persecutor (who became Paul the Apostle) – He knocked him off of His horse after appearing to him as a bright light, then spoke audibly to him, “Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?” Let me tell you – that would get my attention!

He leads us through our life’s circumstances. We may have an opportunity to share the love of God with someone near us; perhaps you are in just the right spot at the right time to be a blessing to someone. Maybe you have a chance to use your gifts in a special way, or you have an opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip! I highly recommend that!

Maybe today you are feeling that God never speaks to you, but sometimes we miss the supernatural when we are looking for the spectacular.

Chances are that you are not going to have a three-legged chicken come to your house at three o’clock in the morning and bark like a dog to give you a sign from Heaven that God wants to speak to you.

But God is constantly speaking to us. The heavens declare the glory of God! He speaks to us by giving us life and breath and people to love, and who love us. The challenge for us is to recognize how He is speaking to us at any moment...

Blessings,
Bret