32. How does God guide me?
Key Verses / Passages
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
————————————————————
Discussion
Did you know that there are many ways that God guides us? We seek to make decisions every day and God wants to guide us in all these things. Before we investigate these ways, let’s consider the question, ‘Why should I involve God in the decisions I make?’ Well, the Bible says:
1. That God promises to guide us (Psalm 32:8 and John 10:3–4,27).
2. That God has a good plan for our lives (Romans 8:28).
So, how exactly does God guide us? Let’s look at 5 different ways that He does but note that the creativity of our God is infinite and is not limited to these ways.
· 1 – Commanding Scripture: In the Bible, God gives us His general will - General instruction for marriage, work, money, children, elderly relatives (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105, 130–133) and his primary calling - To love God, love others, and to become like Jesus.
· 2 - Compelling Spirit: God speaks as you pray (Acts 13:1–3). He will give you a strong desire to do something, which is seen in Philippians 2:13, ‘God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose’. Sometimes he guides in more unusual ways;
· in prophecy (God speaking to you), e.g. Agabus (Acts 11:27–28; 21:10–11),
· through dreams (Matthew 1:20),
· visions/pictures (Acts 16:10),
· angels (Genesis 18; Matthew 2:19; Acts 12:7),
· and through His audible voice (1 Samuel 3:4–14).
· 3 – Counsel of the Saints – Proverbs 12:15 says that ‘… the wise listen to advice’ and ‘Make plans by seeking advice’ (Proverbs 20:18). When you receive advice from other believers’ (notice the word saints?) it might have a need for testing (1 John 4:1). If so, you can ask these questions to help you settle on advice: Is it in line with the Bible? Is it loving? (1 John 4:16). Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? (1 Corinthians 14:3). Does it bring the peace of God? (Colossians 3:15). Ultimately, we are responsible for our decisions, but it is a blessing to have others to talk to about the decisions we are making.
· 4 – Common Sense - ‘Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this’ (2 Timothy 2:7). There are times when God wants YOU to decide based on your own thoughts and logic. In this, you still should consult God about your thinking and seek trusted counsel.
· 5 – Circumstantial signs – Romans 8:28 says, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ Sometimes God closes doors (Acts 16:7), opens doors (1 Corinthians 16:9), and sometimes we need to persevere despite the circumstances and trust God. When looking for signs, you need to be patient, as we all make mistakes. The good news is that God forgives us for our mistakes (Joel 2:25)!
So, when you need support and guidance from God, there are an abundance of ways in which He will lovingly guide you if you are open to them. How great is that!
————————————————————
Reflection / Questions
• Where do you go for guidance?
• How do you feel about the idea that God has a purpose for your life?
• Have you ever had a sense of God guiding you?
————————————————————
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for wanting to be present in every part of my life. Thank you for promising to guide me. Help me to keep my heart open to the different ways that you can guide me and help me to make time to seek your counsel. Your ways are better than my ways.