“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man from Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.” – Acts 16:9-10 NKJV
All through the week, we have been learning about God’s leading. Our God is a good shepherd, we are His sheep, and He leads us. How then should we respond to God’s leading?
Imagine someone stops to ask you for directions to a place they are unfamiliar with. You take the time to engage them in conversation, clearly explaining the route. However, after you finish directing them, they either start walking in the opposite direction or remain at the same spot, not heading anywhere. How would that make you feel?
This is a lot like how some believers respond to the leadings of God. Sometimes, we receive the instructions and do nothing about it.
As believers, God’s instructions to you must be met with faith that produces actions. We can see an example of this in our anchor scripture, how the Apostle Paul acted on the instructions he received in a night vision. This is the right response to the leading of God.
What are the actions to take when we are led concerning certain situations?
First, take time to pray. If you sense God’s leading in your life, surrender yourself fully in prayer, communicating with Him who has guided you thus far. Through prayer, you’ll find the boldness to accomplish what seems impossible.
Also, you must engage the word of God and continually remind yourself of what God has said concerning the leading of the Spirit. Be full of the word, as this is how God primarily leads us.
The spirit inspires the scriptures and never leads anyone to do anything contrary to the word. The word of God stirs up faith in us (Rom 10:17). In doing these things, you prepare yourself for what God is set to do through you. You build capacity and strength in the place of prayer and the word.
Importantly, go ahead and carry out the instruction. Don’t waste time overthinking and contemplating God’s leading. The more time you spend contemplating the instruction, the more you rid yourself of the confidence to go through with God’s instruction.
Finally, dear believer, rejoice over God’s leading because He has empowered you to do as He has led. Also, because in God’s leading, you are instructed, preserved and protected.
SAY THIS: I am led by God; I surrender to God’s leading. I am empowered to do as God says. When I’m led, I will do as God says, no questions asked.
Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 26: 1-30