How Do You Know?

I recently received another great question... 

I understand that we need to let God lead us, but how exactly do you know where God wants us to go? Do you ask him to close the door on certain options that you might try?

 

 

Following God is both a great challenge and a great adventure.  I've come to believe that God is more interested in our being in a real, vibrant, on-going relationship with Him than in His giving us answers to our questions.  That is, God would rather us be close to Him than know what to do.  In fact, when we know what to do we tend to drift away from God.

 

That being said, I believe we can learn to hear God’s voice and therefore know where He is leading us.  In John’s gospel, Jesus speaks of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.  In John 10:4 we read, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”  Be sure to read the entire section in John 10:1-13.

 

God speaks to us primarily through His Word.  This is why it is so important for us to have a daily and intentional time in the Bible.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105

 

God also speaks through other Christ-followers.  This highlights the need to be in relationship with others who are journeying with Christ.  It is especially helpful to be connected with those that have followed for a season and have developed a greater sense of knowing His voice.

 

Circumstances are another way that God speaks to us.  This is where the open/closed door comes into play.  But usually people only focus on this way of trying to discern what God is saying.

 

The great news is that God is consistent in His messages to us.  Each of these ways (the Bible, other Christ-followers and circumstances) will line up to bring God’s clear message.

 

As God speaks to us in these ways, we can have confidence that He desires to reveal Himself to us.  “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”  Proverbs 8:17  Paul said it this way in Acts 17:27, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

 

Keep in mind the statement I made at the beginning of this note – “God would rather us be close to Him than know what to do.”  God is pursuing you for a relationship more than anything.

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6