Divine Guidance
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 48:14
Wherever God told Elijah to go, he went. However, when he ran from Jezebel he was misguided, so God led him to his replacement. The passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha is one of the most fascinating accounts of divine guidance in all the Bible. Elisha had followed Elijah because God was with him, but now God was his master and Elijah would follow Him. How should we follow God?
Should we let our consciences be our guide? Our conscience is a function of our mind, and it can be defiled (see Titus 1:15). The Holy Spirit is our guide. Legalistic teaching can produce a guilty conscience, and a pagan conscience would sense no guilt. Salvation and growth in Christ renews our minds and therefore our consciences. A conscience is always true to itself, not necessarily to the Word of God. However, in the process of being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we shouldn’t violate our conscience, nor that of others. Paul says, “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” (Acts 24:16).
Should we ask God for a sign? The idea of placing a “fleece” before the Lord comes from chapter 6 in the book of Judges. Gideon asked God for a sign to confirm what He had already revealed. Gideon wasn’t demonstrating faith in God. How many times does God need to say something before we are sure He means it? How much confirmation do we need in order to do what we know is right?
Should we be guided by the circumstances of life? Circumstances govern a lot of people’s lives, but they are the least trustworthy. Assuming it isn’t God’s will if the circumstances are unfavorable and assuming it is God’s will if the circumstances are favorable may be taking the path of least resistance. We need greater resolve to stay faithful when difficulties arise.
Should we seek the counsel of others? “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14). It is always wise to seek godly counsel and gain the perspective of others; however, “blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked” (Psalm 1:1).
Should we be led by our gifts and abilities? God will always lead us in a way that is consistent with how He has equipped us. He will never ask us to be someone we aren’t, nor will He lead us to do something we aren’t qualified to do. God has led many faithful people with simple gifts and abilities to do amazing things. Because you can’t do many things doesn’t mean that God isn’t leading you to do little things that multiply throughout His kingdom.
Should we be led by our desires? If we follow our natural desires, we will be led astray. However, if we “take delight in the Lord . . . he will give [us] the desires of [our] heart” (Psalm 37:4). If you delight yourself in the Lord your desires will be His desires.
Does duty call? Our calling is not to see what lies dimly ahead but to do what clearly lies at hand. We don’t need any special leading to do our Christian duty. Nor do we need a subjective confirmation for doing what is clearly taught in Scripture.
a few questions to ponder:
What are the pros and cons of letting your conscience be your guide?
What are the pros and cons of seeking guidance through signs and “fleeces”?
What are the pros and cons of letting circumstances guide you? Of seeking guidance through the counsel of others?
What are the pros and cons of letting your gifts and abilities guide you?
What are the pros and cons of following your desires?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.