Hear and Discern God’s Voice
ICS Daily Devotions
Proverbs 16:3, 9 (NKJV) Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established….A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
We need to distinguish whether something is just a good idea or God’s idea. Many Christians carry out their own agenda in life and expect God to bless it, but God is not obliged to bless our plans when He was not even consulted, and we are in no position to dictate God to do things for us or bless our plans. Because not every idea is God’s idea, it’s important to consecrate our plan, idea and dream to Him. If we are confident that it is God’s idea, God will bless it, but if it is our idea without consecration, it is not God’s responsibility.
As born-again Christians, we have the privilege of praying to our Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name, having the Holy Spirit living inside us, and the Word of God to guide us. There are safeguards that are put in place for us, but first, we need to present the decision to God without any preconceived ideas or answers. We should lay down our rights to God, commit the plan and strategy to Him, and ask Him whether if it is His will for our life. We can take time to pray the same prayer for a few days or even up to a month for a major decision.
Safeguard 1: Pray and ask God to speak to you primarily through His Word. Ask God for a book, chapter, and verse regarding the decision or plan. This way, our faith can be anchored in His Rhema Word when we face challenges later.
Safeguard 2: Be sensitive to the leading and witness of the Holy Spirit which confirms what we believe God is telling us, such as a warning in the form of uneasiness or a lack of peace in the decision, or peace in our heart giving us the “go ahead” with the decision.
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,
Safeguard 3: Seek godly counsel and share with them what you think God is leading you to.
Proverbs 15:22 (NKJV) Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Safeguard 4: Take a step of faith if God has spoken to you to go ahead with the plan. However, be humble and have the courage to accept a “no” for an answer.
Living for Christ is a consecrated life where we choose to live out the will of God for our life, to walk in holiness and have the attitude of always wanting to submit to the will of God, but it is also a form of protection for us, and when we learn to do that, we will find ourselves living a life with joy, satisfaction of the soul and contentment of the spirit.
Sermon Series: It’s January 1st, 2023!
