LED BY THE SPIRIT

I hear people say all the time, “the Holy Spirit did this and the Holy Spirit said that.” I used to wonder how they knew that the Holy Spirit was the one leading them to do or say anything. Well I don’t wonder anymore, now I ask people when I hear them say it; and it is no surprise that more often than not, they cannot give a definitive answer. Many will ramble on about everything under the sun except for what matters most and that is the confirmation from the Word of God. We must be careful what instruction we follow because the enemy has an influence too and there are all kinds of voices crying out (see 1 Corinthians 14:10).

When the Holy Spirit dwells within us and speaks to us, there is always confirmation that either precedes or follows the instruction. God will not set us on a path that is not of His choosing. What happens is that we choose a path for ourselves and pray that God will bless it, even though we go against what God has intended for us.   

We are faced with choices and often we choose what appears to be easy and comfortable. We cry out saying “the Holy Spirit led me here to this path marked X.” Path X is comfortable; it is smooth, well lit, easy to navigate, but it leads to a dead end.  When in all actuality God purposed us for the path we were on in the first place. Yes it is ripe with rocky terrain, so dark in some places that we cannot see the light, and it has a slight incline that make us have to work harder to climb. Yes, navigating on that road is treacherous, but this path we decided to forgo holds the ultimate prize. This path opens up to a place of redemption, victory and rest in His presence. This path takes us directly to our purpose.

Instead we opt for comfort, something familiar, and what appeals to our senses. We rely on our natural shortcomings instead of honing in on what the Spirit of God is trying to purpose within us. We go for what we know instead of trusting that God is aware of what lies ahead, regardless of how it looks in the moment. See, God does not operate according to our whims and wishes; God has a plan for each of us and it is revealed through His Spirit. As children of God, we have a direct line to what God wants of us (see Romans8:14).

The spirit speaks to us in several ways and they are all God driven. So no, the Holy Spirit did not lead you to bed with your friend’s spouse, it did not make you break your boss’ nose, it did not lead you into marriage with a loser, it did not make you go into debt living beyond your means, and it did not tell you to paint your kitchen with that hideous color. The Spirit speaks through the Word of God, and in many other ways. So when in doubt, always, always consult scripture. The Bible teaches us not to grieve the Holy Spirit and that means not doing anything outside of the will of God (see Isaiah 63:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 & Ephesians 4:30).

The Holy Spirit nourishes a ministry within us all (see John 14:26) and the purpose is to lead and guide us in truth (see John 16:13). This requires that we have a personal relationship which includes fellowship and communion with the Spirit of God (see Philippians 2:1-2 & 2 Corinthians 13:14). When the Spirit of God speaks, certain Bible verses will catch our attention. The message is repeated again and again from various sources, like the pastor’s sermon, advice from a friend, or a song on the radio.

The Spirit of God dwelling inside has a voice that will call out to us, a gut feeling so to speak that has nothing to do with emotion. It is a voice that halts us or propels us into action (see Romans 8:16, 9:1 & Acts 16:6-7). And even today, the Spirit will speak to us through visions, dreams and prophesy (see Joel 2:28-29), but we must be able to discern His voice .

Remember that when the Spirit of God leads us on a path, we must have faith that those rocky places will strengthen our resolve, the darkness will usher us into light, and in learning to navigate the rocky terrain, we are able to show someone else the way. So when unsure, take a moment and dwell in His presence.

Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and His will for your life will reveal itself to you. So be prepared to listen and take action!

Scripture: All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. John 16:15 NIV

Prayer: Father God I honor you and praise you for your Spirit and the truth found only in you and your Word. I thank you for allowing that Spirit to dwell in me so that your will is done in my life. I ask forgiveness for the sinful nature that is part of my being human and I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to conquer it, preventing me from doing wrong in your eyesight. I pray that you would continue to bless me that I might be a blessing to those around me and I ask this and so many other things in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!

Take some time and read Romans 8 this week!