Many lives wander in confusion, unsure of the path to fulfil God’s purpose for their lives. Some believe they are fulfilling God’s purpose without realising they are following their desires, not God’s own. God knows the plans He has for us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. That's why, as believers, whenever we make decisions in life, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit should be our first step. No wonder John 14:26 assures us, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." The scripture emphasises "ALL THINGS," indicating that having the Holy Spirit grants us insight into God’s plans for every aspect of our lives.
Have you ever wondered why the scripture says, "WE ARE GODS" (John 10:34)? When you have the Holy Spirit, God resides in you, and you reside in God (John 14:20). Since God is the creator of everything on earth, why should you not be directed in all areas of your life? There is a misconception in today’s generation that speaking in tongues guarantees direct access to hear from and be directed by God. Absolutely not. Many speak in tongues because other believers do, without realizing that the primary purpose of the Spirit within them, evidenced by tongues, is divine guidance. John 16:13 states, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." This emphasizes "ALL TRUTH," indicating that the Spirit will not deceive, for God is not a man that He should lie. When the Spirit guides one into all truth, it ensures they will never be misled.
I attended a service in Ilorin (Kwara State, Nigeria) where the preacher shared a compelling example. He spoke of a Bank Manager who held a high position in a reputable bank but found himself borrowing money from his teller staff despite his high salary. Confused, he sought guidance from his pastor. During prayer, the pastor, led by the Spirit, revealed that the manager was in the wrong profession. Perplexed, the manager asked what his true calling was, and the pastor proclaimed that God intended him to be a carpenter. Angered by this revelation, the manager left abruptly, convinced the pastor had misunderstood God’s message. His financial situation worsened as his borrowing escalated. Eventually, he returned to the pastor, distressed by his circumstances. The pastor reassured him that the Spirit of God does not deceive and urged him to choose between continuing in confusion or embracing his true calling. Despite his bank position, the manager took a loan and ventured into furniture making, employing skilled workers in the field. His business flourished, and within a year, he became one of Ilorin’s wealthiest entrepreneurs in furniture production.
It's no surprise that the Israelites wandered for 40 years instead of completing their journey in just 40 days. According to Deuteronomy 1:2 (AMP), "There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea." The trip from Egypt to the Promised Land should have taken approximately 11 days. However, due to their lack of faith and disobedience, as described in Numbers 14:33-34 (KJV), they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness instead of completing their journey in a mere 11 days. Their prolonged journey was a consequence of their failure to seek God's guidance and trust in His promises. Similarly, if the bank manager had sought God's direction initially, he would not have wasted years in a job that wasn't meant for him.
We must understand that our life plans may not align with God's plans for us. I've witnessed many singles say, "This is my specification for a partner." But is that truly God's plan for your life? This mismatch often leads to marital failure when the initial specifications are not met. The Spirit teaches us all things—yes, all things—and we must learn to follow His guidance obediently. Do you know why it sometimes feels like it's taking forever for God to answer your prayers? It's because you are not following God's direction. As Christians, the phrase "What do you want me to do?" should be a constant part of our prayers. What career should I pursue? What ministry should I serve in? What are your plans for my marriage? What are your plans for my future spouse? What time do you want me to leave for work? By seeking God's guidance in every aspect of our lives, we align ourselves with His will and experience His blessings more fully.
Many people believe they are fulfilling God's purpose for their lives simply because they are wealthy or because everything is going smoothly. However, we might be mistaken if we did not seek His guidance first. If you do not fulfil God's purpose for your life, many lives that are connected to you may also miss out on fulfilling their purposes. Seeking His guidance is crucial for not just your path but for the impact you have on others as well.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER TO BE DIRECTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
- Obedience to God's Word:
To hear from the Holy Spirit, it is essential to be obedient to God's Word. The Bible emphasizes that obedience to God's commandments aligns us with His will, creating an environment conducive to hearing from the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).
2. Prayer and Fasting
Engaging in regular prayer and fasting helps to tune our hearts and minds to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Through these spiritual disciplines, we become more sensitive to His guidance and leading (Acts 13:2-3).
3. Meditation on Scripture
Meditating on God's Word allows the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures, giving us insight and direction. Regular meditation on the Bible enhances our ability to discern His voice (Psalm 119:97-99).
4. A Heart of Humility and Repentance
Maintaining a humble heart and being quick to repent when we sin keeps our spiritual channels open to the Holy Spirit. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, making it easier for us to hear His voice James 4:6-8.
ACTION POINT
Seeking the Holy Spirit's direction is crucial for aligning our lives with God's purpose. Just as the bank manager found true success by following divine guidance, we too must prioritize seeking God's will in every decision. Obedience, prayer, fasting, meditation on Scripture, and humility open our hearts to the Holy Spirit's leading. As John 16:13 assures us, the Spirit guides us into all truth, ensuring we fulfil God's purpose and avoid the pitfalls of self-directed paths.
leave a comment on this article