I know God has a plan for my life and that He can lead me day by day. However, I am so weak and fallible in my thinking, I need His constant guidance.
He has promised to guide me. “Acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6). “I will instruct thee and teach thee” (Ps. 32:8).
I must be willing to be led wherever He wants to take me. Of course, I would like to know in advance what He plans for me before I commit, but He expects unconditional submission. My commitment implies explicit trust in His leading. “Trust also in Him” (Ps. 37:5). He wants to determine my every action. I must not fear His leading, because it is always good and perfect. “That good and acceptable and per¬fect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).
He reveals His will for me through His Word.
“All Scripture is profitable for instruction” (II Tim. 3:16). “Study…rightly dividing the Word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15). All other guidance will be in harmony with His written Word.
He reveals His will through the Person of Jesus Christ.
“I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow His steps” (I Peter 2:21). “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). All other guidance will be in harmony with His character.
He leads through circumstances.
“A door was opened to me” (II Cor. 2:12). God doesn’t tell us to force our way; He makes the way. “All things work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28). All circumstances are for His glory and our good when we are obedient. God is a God of order and works through natural laws.
He leads through other Christians.
“How can I except some man guide me” (Acts 8:31)? God has gifted some as pastors and teachers to guide us. “,..[M]ight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10). We can draw from the wisdom and experience of other believers.
He leads through the Inner Voice.
“When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth.” “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14). God’s way of speaking has progressed from the external to the internal.
We must; however, test our impressions. Is it Scriptural? Is it like Christ? Is the door open now? Will it glorify God or myself? If I am still in doubt, stand still. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). “Let the peace of God rule in your heart” (Col. 3:15).
The rewards are many. “In His will is peace,” says Dante. For a beautiful picture of guidance, see how the Shepherd guides His sheep in the 23rd Psalm.