As Christ-followers we often wish God would give us a sign, tell us what to say, what to do. Wouldn’t it be great if God provided detailed instructions, charts, graphs, a list of step-by-step procedures and responsibilites of how to follow Him. But 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, we walk by faith, not by sight. Learning to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit and understanding God’s will is part of the Christian walk. As we trust and obey, He strengthens our faith and it grows. It starts by being obedient in the little things. When you sense God leading you, prompting you, you jump! As you are faithful, God will entrust you with more and bigger promptings and opportunities to serve Him.

Scriptures – 2 Corinthians 5:7; Proverbs 11:17; Luke 16:10; 1 John 4:1; Acts 20:22-23; Hebrews 11:6

Verses – For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Co 5:7) “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” (Lk 16:10) Beloved, do not believe every spirit. Rather, test the spirits to see whether they are from God. (1 Jn 4:1) But without faith no one can please God. (Hb 11:6)

Thought – When you feel led to do something, it’s vital to discern whether the leading is from God. There are other forces vying for control of your actions so, as it says in 1 John, test the spirits to see whether they are from God. Exactly how do you do that? 1) God will always lead you in a way that is consistent with the Bible. If you are being led to lie, steal or cheat, that is definitely not a leading from God. 2) God will lead you in a way that is consistent with who you are created to be. If you can’t carry a tune, He’s probably not going to lead you to be a singer. God is a God of purpose. He will build upon your uniqueness, stretch your abilities and guide you in ways that are consistent with how He has gifted you. 3) God’s leading will often involve servanthood and sacrifice. When Paul was heading to Jerusalem, as written in Acts 20:22-23, he says the Holy Spirit warned him that prison and troubles were ahead. He was preaching and teaching the Gospel, and that faithfulness to God’s leading did mean great sacrifice and suffering for Paul. Now, that doesn’t mean that you will always go through pain when you are led by God to do something, but you will often have your faith tested and have to press against your fears. If the leading you feel is self-promoting, self-serving, self-centered, it’s probably not from God. Leadings from God open doors, are fantastic, fulfilling and an exciting part of the Christian adventure. When God leads, what are you going to do? God says, “Do you trust me? Let’s find out! Jump!” Whatever your fears may be, remember what’s at stake. Push against the fear, take the risk, jump!

Questions – Describe a time when you followed a leading? How did it turn out? How did you feel? Describe a time when you felt led by God but resisted? How did it turn out? How did you feel? Do you live daily with a listening ear for God’s voice? If so, how? How do you know when God is prompting you?

Response – Pray and tell God you want to hear his voice. Tell him you are willing to follow his leadings. Take time for quiet, prayer and listening to God’s voice. When God leads, follow.

Prayer – Dear God, be my helper and my guide through each day. I want to hear your voice and I want to serve and be led by you. Create opportunities for me to witness. I want to be a difference-maker for the kingdom. I pray for my loved ones who are not following you. Lead me and teach me how to share your love and truth in ways that are meaningful and effective. Thank you for your love and grace. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.