ICS Daily Devotions
Red, Yellow Or Green Light?
Romans 8:14-16 (NKJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
In our walk of faith, there will be times when we are discouraged because things don’t go the way we want or expect. Receiving a personal word from God can help us stay immovable in the midst of challenges. Nonetheless, after receiving or while waiting to receive the Word, we still need to check with the Holy Spirit whether His instruction is to “go ahead”, “wait” or “don’t do it”.
We are accustomed to being led by our souls where our minds, intellect and desires are located, and making decisions ourselves. However, once we have been saved, God desires for us to submit to the Lordship of Christ and consult Him on all decisions, especially major ones. Unfortunately, many Christians fail to live surrendered lives and charge ahead, making decisions without first seeking or receiving a Word from God, or tuning in to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Before launching into a new project, let us pray and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to our heart. He will either give us a sense of peace to proceed, much like a velvety feeling, or He may give us a sense of inexplicable discomfort located somewhere near our belly, to warn us so that we would halt our steps or desist. Although godly counsel from other believers can help us process and discern what we seem to be receiving or hearing from the Lord, ultimately, it is between us and God.
As God’s children, it is our immense privilege and birth right to have the third person of the Godhead residing within us and available to help, counsel and guide us at all times. We, on our part, need to desire and remain open to His guidance and leading and ensure that we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit and quench His voice. When He prompts us to forgive someone or warn us not to yield to temptation, we need to obey. And as we keep responding to His prompting and surrendering to Him, over time, we will become more and more familiar with His voice, much like how we would get to know a person.
Sermon Series: How to be led by the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
