How do we discern God’s plan in our life? There are so many decisions that we make every day of our life; how can we know whether we are following His plan? How can we distinguish God’s voice when there are so many voices bombarding our minds from outside and from inside? Can we be certain?
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27) Have you ever heard His voice? Sometimes it is a whisper of a scripture verse or a song in the middle of the night that awakens you and suddenly your heart is filled with peace and joy
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You might say, fine; but does God guide me in the everyday decisions? Can I be able to say, God said do this; and, I will because He commandeth? David wrote in the Psalms 16: 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
If we look very closely at these scriptures, I do believe that we might get some direction as to God’s Guiding Hand.
1. God does provide counsel—he does so through the Scriptures and through the help of the Holy Spirit which indwells us. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. His reins also instruct. He will not ever tell you to do something that is a sin. Example: If you say that God told you to cheat on your spouse; then it was not God you heard. He will not tell you to do anything that is against His righteousness or that would bring shame to His Kingdom. He will not tell you to lie, to cheat, to steal, and the list goes on.
3. Have you asked Him for clear direction and waited for His answer? If your answer is yes, then do not worry or fret; God will reveal His path in His perfect timing. Like David, you may say, “my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”
4. Do you truly believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and has a perfect plan designed by His love for your life? Then trust Him to show you His pathway. Turn your eyes toward Him.
5. God promised to guide all those who seek Him. So the question is: “Do you seek Him and do you believe He will do as He has promised?” Look at Deuteronomy 4: “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee”
I cannot say that I have from the beginning of my Christian walk always distinguished His voice clearly. If I had I might not have fallen so often. I cannot say that my life is a perfect example of Christ’s Glory; even now, because there are areas where darkness lurks within me where my own self centeredness raises up or doubts try to crowd my heart with fear. What I can tell you is that if you continue to seek Him with all your heart, continue to study His word with hungry desire, and you pray fervently throughout each day; then, you will find peace and joy. You will come to realize that He is guiding each step. He miraculously can take even your failures of the past and transform them into something beautiful. You will hear His voice guiding you; sometimes pointing out to you your own frailties and sometimes lifting you to higher plains. I know this. Of a certainty, by many revealing events; I know God sent me here to Columbia, MO and to work at the VA Hospital that I have joined. I do not know all of the whys or what’s that are before me. Financially, this might not appear the smartest move and I am not certain how God plans to provide; but, I know He will. The job He sent me to is only part-time and He has yet to reveal a second job. Still, I strangely find myself resting in peacefulness; listening closely to His voice to guide each application. When I asked Him what should I do next? His answer came at 3 am two months ago when I awoke and this verse was in my head, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” So, my tithe is going to my local church and I continue to send love offerings above those tithes to Truth for Life and Leading the Way because God had before commanded I do just that. Meanwhile, I stand on faith, joyously watching and waiting as God unfolds His plan. His answer may not arrive until 1 minute before midnight; but it will come. Then, it is obvious that He only receives the Glory. So, if you know Him as Your Savior; seek Him, study His Word, pray, listen for His voice and trust Him to guide your every step. Don’t worry so much He’s got it.
Listen to this song by Gary Valenciano, "Lead Me Lord"
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/ultimate-inspiration-gods-plan-of-love-ronald-barba.html
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