This past week my son and I went on vacation. And it turned out to be a vacation that involved much more driving than I expected in the beginning. Not because of anything bad at all, but just due to doors that God opened up. And because this was the first trip in the car that I now have, I was excited to test out the new navigation. I would normally just use the iPhone on trips like this, but I preprogrammed some addresses in, and away we went. However, there were a few times that the GPS that I was placing my trust in wasn't getting me where I wanted to be. Unlike the iPhone, it was not as "up to date" on the addresses that I was using and therefore did not know how to take me in the right direction. I could have just trusted it and continue down the roads it was taking me on, but there was a couple of times that I just could tell something didn't feel right, and I went to my trusty iPhone GPS to test it out. Only to find out that I really was going the wrong way.
I told you that story because this morning God was speaking to me about direction..and discerning the right direction. How we have to invest in time with Him to make sure the direction we are going is the way He wants us to go. Many things can try to steer us down this path and that path, but how do we know when it's really God? How do we know when to stop and question the direction that "seems" right, because maybe it doesn't "feel" right. Just like the GPS in my car, I could blindly just keep going, or I could look around and say "this just doesn't feel like the right direction".
The definition of discernment is "perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding". And 1 John 4:1 says "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world". So as Christ followers we are expected to be able to trust God enough to let loose and allow Him to direct us, but also use wisdom to know that the directions we are being given are indeed from Him. Easier said than done huh...well maybe no...See, when you spend time in prayer and in His word you will see doors open up, just like when you don't spend time with Him you will also see other doors open up. The difference is, knowing which doors to walk through. Earlier I said when I didn't trust my new car's GPS, I went back to my iPhone. Why? Because that GPS has never led me wrong. I could compare the 2 directions and figure out which one to trust. When you feel a leading in your life and you are not sure, take it to God. He will never steer you wrong and He is trustworthy. Don't sit and try to guess...ask Him! Get into His word and see if the doors you think you are supposed to walk through stand up to the truth of the bible. Are they going to draw you closer to Him? Are they going to fulfill His promises to you? Are they going to point others to Him? Is the path you are walking down totally different from the ones in your past that He rescued you from? All of these are good questions to find out if this is God's leading...or your desires...or the enemy trying to knock you off God's course.
The definition of discernment is "perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding". And 1 John 4:1 says "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world". So as Christ followers we are expected to be able to trust God enough to let loose and allow Him to direct us, but also use wisdom to know that the directions we are being given are indeed from Him. Easier said than done huh...well maybe no...See, when you spend time in prayer and in His word you will see doors open up, just like when you don't spend time with Him you will also see other doors open up. The difference is, knowing which doors to walk through. Earlier I said when I didn't trust my new car's GPS, I went back to my iPhone. Why? Because that GPS has never led me wrong. I could compare the 2 directions and figure out which one to trust. When you feel a leading in your life and you are not sure, take it to God. He will never steer you wrong and He is trustworthy. Don't sit and try to guess...ask Him! Get into His word and see if the doors you think you are supposed to walk through stand up to the truth of the bible. Are they going to draw you closer to Him? Are they going to fulfill His promises to you? Are they going to point others to Him? Is the path you are walking down totally different from the ones in your past that He rescued you from? All of these are good questions to find out if this is God's leading...or your desires...or the enemy trying to knock you off God's course.
Let me leave you with this verse from Proverbs 3:5-6.."Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths". How do you gain trust in someone...you get to know them better and better. If you are looking for hope and direction in your life then start by going deeper with the one who can offer both to you. Build your trust in Him and let Him help you discern the doors you should walk through and the paths you should take.
God, thank You for the guidance and wisdom You offer to us. Help those who are confused by the doors before them, and give them the wisdom to seek You first so they can find the peace that only You can offer. Holy Spirit teach us how to hear Your voice and learn to trust You more and more as we draw close and closer to You. And let the changes that other see in our lives point them to You. In Jesus name, Amen
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