One of the most amazing truths is that God will guide anyone who is willing to follow. You don't need to be a problem-free person. Abraham was old; Timothy was too young; Moses stuttered; Jonah ran from God; Job went bankrupt; Peter denied Christ. It does not matter what 'issue' you think you have, God has and still can use EVERYONE.
As Nicky mentioned, God guides us in 5 different ways:
1. Commanding Scripture
As we discussed last week, the Bible in general is a manual for life; however, it does not necessarily provide us with specific guidance for each person. Through intentional reading and praying, God often does speak to us through His book. Remember last week when Nicky shared his story about the one verse that kept showing up everywhere? A friend called him with the verse, his wife talked to him with this verse, and even a billboard sign showcased the verse. Some of us are beginning to experience similar situations of commanding Scripture.
2. Compelling Spirit
With any relationship, the more we know someone, the more easily we recognize their voice. The same is true of a relationship with Jesus: as as we get to know Jesus more intimately, we begin to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit.
a) Prayer is, or at least should be, a two-way conversation. You pray about your requests and your concerns, but don't leave it at that. It's like expressing your symptoms to the doctor and then simply walking out the door without any advice or solutions. God is the ultimate doctor, so don't you want to hear what He has to say to you?
b) Desires: God gives us desires to do His good purpose. God's desires become our desires. We did discuss the different desires we have, and we each personally know that all our desires are not God-focused. The desires 'of the flesh', so to speak, are the ones we need to push away and ignore - not always an easy task!
c) Unusual Experiences: There are several instances where people experience visions, angels, and audible voices, and often times, when given by God, these are very specific guidances.
But no matter how we are compelled, we must always remember to test the 'voice'. We can know if it is God's voice when it aligns with the Bible, when it is loving, encouraging, and when it brings the peace of God.
3. Common Sense
"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this." - 2 Timothy 2:7. Whether in the day-to-day events or in the big decisions, God often guides us through our thoughts. Even in terms of our abilities, we each have gifts and talents that are unique to ourselves. It's through these simple ways that God also guides us.
4. Counsel of Saints
In Burlington, and especially at Glad Tidings, we are surrounded by a community of Christians. Whether you are wondering who Jesus is and what Christianity is all about or you are a Christ-follower, there is a community of people (family, friends, church members) that are able to guide you.
There is nothing wrong with seeking advice from people. In fact, this idea of advice from people is something that struck me. Over past years, I have been flipflopping in my view of who to go to for guidance. At first I always asked people and never even considered asking God; then I began to only ask God, and not people, for guidance since God is God and He knows best. But today, I realized that we can actually ask both God and people for advice - and that both are equally valid! Not that we can ask advice from simply anyone, but God has given us mature, trustworthy, Christ-focused Christians that are able to help provide guidance.
5. Circumstantial Signs
"In your heart you plan your course, but the Lord determines your steps." - Proverbs 16:9
If you commit your plans to God and trust His guidance, God WILL act by closing and opening doors in our life. But remember...BE PATIENT. God may make us wait for directions but His promises WILL happen.
Alpha Challenge:
1. Be open to God guiding you - push away those 'flesh' desires and listen to God.
2. Ask someone who is a trustworthy, mature Christian to mentor and guide you.
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