Guidance

Scripture Reference: Psalm 48:14

(1) Warrant,

(2) Written,

(3) Wisest,

(4) Words,

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(1) Warrant: When God organises us to be in a place, at a time, for a purpose - it happens. His plan is Beyond us; we are Taken - like Joseph into Egypt: ‘So it was not you who sent me here, but God’ (Gen. 45:8). Silas and Paul did not deliberately select jail, but by Sovereign design, they went, and the jailer was saved (Acts 16:24f). This manner of guidance includes all our personal decisions - as in the 3 types that follow -, but it is beyond them. Since, no purpose of God’s can be thwarted (Job. 42:2).

(2) Written: The Bible gives direct commands and teachings for our guidance. For example the Ten commandments, the Sermon on the Mount and the Epistles all guide us directly. Do not steal. Don’t kill. Don’t lie. Love your enemies. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Put on humility.

(3) Wisest: The majority of our decisions are the wisest choice we can make at the time. Prayer is God’s kind, intimate way of guiding us. Without needing to be too ‘super-sensitive’ to the Spirit, the Lord does help us: ‘Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould’. (J.B. Phillips) ‘Be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect’ (Romans 12:2).

(4) Words: The least common manner of the Lord’s leading is a special sending. Direct words spoken by a messenger or angel. Philip was told to join the chariot: ‘Get up and go south to ....’ (Acts 8:26f). Others may be given a word of knowledge for us. KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:25 says: ‘If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit’. The NIV has a beautiful phrase ‘Let us keep in Step with the Spirit’.

This phrase - which is similar to saying let us walk and move in the grace of God - is often read with a very legal mindset. This can produce a desire to live by a quite rigid form of spiritual guidance. This being almost wholly confined to the fourth means of guidance which we have mentioned - Direct ‘Words’.

One reason we have so much difficulty in knowing God’s leading and guidance is that it touches at the heart of who we are, and what we are about in life.

A friend of mine has well said ‘As you go you know, and as you know, you go’. He has also said ‘Guidance is a hunch’. This idea is a disappointment to some, and a great relief to others.

One of the greatest comforts in life, is to see that God personally leads his people. We can rest secure in this. Especially as we see that he leads us into numerous difficulties and various forms of suffering. And all this works together for our good and his good, and the good of others (Romans 8:28).

Warrant - is to be valued above the other three. For events occur, amidst his leading, which seem contrary to the things he directs us to do in his Written Word. The best example of this, is where the Bible says ‘You shall not kill’, and yet, God has clearly deliberately planned for the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 2:23, 4:28). There are other places in Scripture where God’s will to comes to pass, in matters which he nevertheless forbids in is Word. We are stewards of the mysteries of God!

Subjectivity is high - in the fourth way: Words. This form of leading can be wonderful. It is also most open to abuse and error. Solid foundations are needed for turbulent days. The underlying, overarching assurance of being Taken forward by the Sovereign hand of Jesus - the Lord over all - is a beaut, restful truth indeed.

Prayer: Father, thanyou for guiding me, in life, always. Amen.

Author: Trevor Faggotter

Part of Devotional Series: How Does God Guide us?