Have you ever been around someone who says that God is always telling them. . .this or that?
Let me quickly say that I’m not in any way necessarily criticizing or condemning those who say such. Because I know from personal experience that God not only does but desires to speak to us.
Does the enemy use those to whom He speaks or hears His voice make you feel like you somehow don’t measure up spiritually?
I can tell you without equivocation. . . God would never do that.
Galatians 6:4 in the Classic Amplified Bible says::
“But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.”
Don’t worry about what others say. . .God said to them. Just be concerned about yourself and the ways God can use to direct you in the path He would have you follow.
Here are seven ways to get God’s personal direction for your life.
First, God will lead you through His Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
“Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), 17So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
God cannot lead you through. . .what you do not know.
In Joshua 1:8 we’re given the prescription for how we’re to be led by the Lord through His Word. The verse in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
If I were to tell you this verse says your twice and the word you four times. . .you’d probably say, “I know that.”
If I were to tell you that you should be speaking the Word. . .you’d probably say, “I know that.”
If I were to say you are to meditate on the Word day and night. . .you’d probably say, “I know that.”
If I were to say you are to observe and do what the Word says. . .you’d probably say, “I know that.”
If I were to say you will be prosperous and successful based on what you do with the scriptural directives in this verse. . .you’d probably say, I know that.”
So as a bit of introspection. . .let me ask each of us a question.
Are we doing what we know to do. . .or are we just mentally agreeing. . .without doing what it is we’re supposed to do?
If you want God to lead you through the challenges of life. . .I have seven words for you.
READ YOUR BIBLE. . .DO WHAT IT SAYS.
Second, God Will Lead You Through Your Thoughts.
Ephesians 3:20 in the Classic Amplified Biblewhich says:
“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].”
1. Now in this sentence is used to point to what is about to be said so we pay particular attention to its importance.
From definition.com the second definition of the word NOW is:
to draw attention to a particular statement or point in a narrative. "now, my first impulse …
2. to Him. We’re talking about the King of Kings, the Lord of Lord’s, the Master of the Universe, the Almighty One, the beginning and the end. . .all that is, was or ever will be.
3. Who, by (in consequence of the [action of His] power. He’s got the power and that power is usable to make things happen.
4. that is at work within us. And He is willing to allow that power to take up residence in us … but not only that … we have the same power as He does to make things happen.
5. is able to [carry out His purpose. Claiming His purpose is the same things as claiming all His promises … for His promises are His purpose for us.
6. do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think. What kind of thinker are you? He wants us to think like He does. We have not because we ask not.
7. [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes and dreams]. . Between prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes and dreams. . .I believe you’ve got everything needed to think beyond your imagination.
Even though. . .God will cause you to dream dreams. . .your dream will never become a reality unless you pursue it with a passion and a plan.
Third, God will lead you through godly men and women He puts in your path.
1 Samuel 9:6-10 in the New Living Translation says:
“But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
7 “But we don’t have anything to offer him,” Saul replied. “Even our food is gone, and we don’t have a thing to give him.”
8 “Well,” the servant said, “I have one small silver piece. We can at least offer it to the man of God and see what happens!” 9 (In those days if people wanted a message from God, they would say, “Let’s go and ask the seer,” for prophets used to be called seers.)
10 “All right,” Saul agreed, “let’s try it!” So they started into the town where the man of God lived.”
Unfortunately, some believers, I chose not to say many believers, will go to a banker or financial planner about financial matters before they’ll ever go to their Man or Woman of God.
“Yes, but my Pastor is a good man but he doesn’t understand the world’s economic system.”
If I have to choose between a prophet who understands the Word system or someone who doesn’t have a clue. . .easy choice. I’m going to listen to the prophet.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“Every Scripture is God-breathed, (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),
“So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The Man or Woman of God has been equipped to be a blessing to you. Are you listening to the right people?
Fourth, God will give you specific instructions and visions.
Acts 9:3-6 in the New Living Translation says:
“As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Paul was on a journey to persecute more Christians when Jesus got his attention with a specific instruction.
There will be times when God needs to get our attention in order for us to follow His instructions.
If you read Acts 9:10-15 you will find that there was a man named Ananias and he questioned God about helping Paul. . .because he knew of his reputation in arresting and persecuting Christians.
Remember, God doesn’t make mistakes.
Has God ever given you an instruction to stop a total stranger and pray for them?
Has He ever directed you to bless someone with a financial gift and you didn’t know why or perhaps you felt you were the one needing a gift instead of giving one?
I recall once I was standing at the back of our church in North Carolina with several other ushers when the Lord directed me to walk over. . .hit one of the ushers in the stomach and pray for him.
I thought I’d like look totally out of line so I didn’t obey. . .I felt such guilt. . .that finally, I walked over to the usher. . .and said, “I want to apologize to you and the Lord for not doing what He directed me to do earlier.”
As he was saying “that’s okay” I popped him in the stomach and started praying. He received a healing at that very moment. A healing that unbeknownst to me. . .he had been believing God for.
Make sure you’re ready to hear and obey the voice of the Lord.
Fifth, God will speak to you through dreams.
One of my favorite Bible stories as a boy was about the dreams of Pharaoh and how no one could interpret them until he called Joseph out of the prison.
I don’t have time to read Genesis 41:1-45 but I strongly encourage you to do so.
While in prison . . .God allowed Joseph to interpret the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. As you remember, Joseph correctly predicted that the baker would be hanged and that the cupbearer would go free.
Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him when he was freed as he was wrongly accused … but the cupbearer seemingly forgot him …that is until God chose the right moment for him to remember.
Had the cupbearer immediately remembered Joseph to Pharaoh. . .he might or might not have been pardoned and he might or might not have been in the place to save Egypt and the whole world from starvation!
But when the defining moment came for Joseph and the children of Israel. . .he remembered. In fact, in Genesis 41:9-13 in the New Living Translation the cupbearer confesses to Pharaoh his mistake.
“Finally, the king’s chief cup-bearer spoke up. “Today I have been reminded of my failure,” he told Pharaoh. 10 “Some time ago, you were angry with the chief baker and me, and you imprisoned us in the palace of the captain of the guard. 11 One night the chief baker and I each had a dream, and each dream had its own meaning. 12 There was a young Hebrew man with us in the prison who was a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he told us what each of our dreams meant. 13 And everything happened just as he had predicted. I was restored to my position as cup-bearer, and the chief baker was executed and impaled on a pole.”
During my Christian walk, I’ve become increasing aware of the significance of dreams. My fine wife Bev has a book by Ira Milligan entitled “Understanding The Dreams You Dream” that we would recommend to you.
Just know that God can lead you through the dreams of others and through your own.
By the way, the dream books are available at christiansoldierbookstore.com
Sixth, God will speak to you through the experiences and testimonies of others.
Mark 4:37-40 in The Living Bible says:
“But soon a terrible storm arose. High waves began to break into the boat until it was nearly full of water and about to sink. 38 Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. Frantically they wakened him, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to drown?”
39 Then he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet down!” And the wind fell, and there was a great calm!
40 And he asked them, “Why were you so fearful? Don’t you even yet have confidence in me?”
This passage of scripture has been used over the centuries to comfort believers who are facing their own storms of life.
How many times have we asked the Lord to cause the turbulence in our lives to “quiet down” and “be still?”
The question Jesus asked the disciples in Mark 4:40 in the Classic Amplified Bible is one that He’s asking us today. . .and truthfully, one that we should be asking ourselves.
“He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no firmly relying trust)?”
God can and will lead us through life. . .as we put our faith. . .our firmly relying trust. . .our confidence in Him and His Word. . .no matter. . .how severe the circumstances or conditions we face.
Seventh, God will lead you through His angels.
I remember during a challenging time in my life. . .I had just laid down in bed. . .I looked over to my fine wife Bev who was sleeping. When I looked back to the door. . .I saw one of my angels standing there.
The ceiling in our bedroom was ten feet tall. . .the door frame was about eight feet tall and he towered above the door frame. I remember raising up in bed to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. . .and I wasn’t.
My angel was wearing military armour. . .which wasn’t overpowering or the most obvious thing about him.
The thing I was drawn to then and even now. . .some 28 years later. . .was the most comforting smile I ever remember seeing. I also instantly knew that this particular angel was assigned to me.
In that moment, I knew everything would be alright. I laid back down and went to sleep with him standing by my door.
We should never make the mistake in thinking angels don’t really exist or aren’t near us to intervene on our behalf.
Acts 27:23-24 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“23 For this [very] night there stood by my side an angel of the God to Whom I belong and Whom I serve and worship,
24 And he said, Do not be frightened, Paul! It is necessary for you to stand before Caesar; and behold, God has given you all those who are sailing with you.”
Others did not see the angel speaking to Paul nor did they hear the conversation. But it was truly a confirmation for Paul.
Truly, there are angels all around us.
Hebrews 1:14 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation?”
In the Strong’s Concordance ministering is the Greek word leitourgikos (G3010) and it means: “relating to the performance of service, employed in ministering.”
However, G3010 is from the same root word leitourgeō (G3008) which means:
“to assume an office which must be administered at one's own expense.”
Now get ready for this: the word ministering also means:
“to do a service, perform a work of those who aid others with their resources, and relieve their poverty.”
God has got your back. All you have to do is believe His Word and walk in it.
We are all different parts of the body … led in different ways and through different means but we all have a purpose to fulfill.
The foot can’t say to the hand I have no need of you even though they both function very differently from each other. The point is God will lead you …
--through His Word which should be common knowledge to all His children.
--through the thoughts He drops into your thought processes…ones you realize ‘came out of nowhere’ ’
--through people He puts in your path.
--through instructions and visions.
--through dreams
--through experiences & testimonies
--angels…
Remember… Habakkuk 3:19 in the Amplified Bible says:
The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army];
He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet
And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my [a]high places [of challenge and responsibility].
Harold Herring