Guidance Guidelines

Read: Jeremiah 29:11

Introduction: Supernatural guidance is a subject which often fascinates both believer and non-believer alike. The desire to know “what we should do” in life is probably as old as time itself. But just how should a Christian approach this important subject? Hopefully cutting through a maze of charismatic confusion in this area, let us discover one or two simple “guidelines to guidance”.

1. God knows the plans.
One of the great promises of Scripture is found in Jeremiah 29:11, which says: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” However, there is nothing in this promise to suggest that God is going to share these plans in any detail with us! As He says, “I know the plans”; not “you know the plans.”

Bible characters like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Daniel and Paul each fulfilled the plans of God; at times when they themselves were ignorant of the divine purpose that surrounded their difficult circumstances. Paul said, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). So rejoice if you don’t know what is going on in your life, as long as your heavenly Father does!

2. We should find our purpose.
There are a number of ways to find directions if on a journey. One way is to have a map, detailing the exact route by road. The other way is to be guided by a compass – a device which points you in the general direction, and has little need for details. God’s guidance is much more like the compass than a speaking “sat-nav” system!  We may not know the Lord’s detailed plans but we can know our purpose in the world and in the Body of Christ. Our purpose will be shaped by a number of factors:

(a) The general moral and inspirational instruction of God’s Word;
(b) The gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit sent to lead us; and
(c) The passion(s) that God has placed inside our hearts.

A good example of this kind of guidance is found in Nehemiah chapters 1 and 2. Nehemiah receives no supernatural revelation, but the passion of his heart to see Jerusalem’s walls rebuilt sets his compass and by Nehemiah 2:11 he is in the city beginning the work. Let your passion” determine your course and set sail today into the divine destiny.

3. We should fix our eyes on the Lord.
The secret of accurate guidance is not necessarily knowing God’s plan but knowing the God of the plan. Someone in your passenger seat who knows the way beats a map every time. Joshua told the Israelite camp to follow the Ark (a symbol in Scripture of God’s presence), which would guide them into their uncharted territory (Joshua 3:3-4). If we can stay close to His presence and be able to answer the question “Who am I serving?” rather than “What am I doing?” our heavenly vision will be all the better.

Conclusion

Be encouraged – there is a purpose God has for you! And as we put shoes onto our passions, His Spirit will set before us the open doors we are to walk and work through, and we will have entered into the beginning of God’s many plans for our life.