Be Led By The Spirit.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Rom. 8:14.

An old sailor survived a terrible shipwreck. He washed up on the shore of a small, uncharted island. His ship was gone, his map was lost, and his compass was broken. He was a navigator by trade; he lived by charts and instruments. But now, he had nothing but his own eyes and his own, limited judgment. For the first few weeks, he tried to survive using logic. He looked at the terrain, calculated where water should be, and decided where to build his shelter based on "common sense." But his logic failed. He built his shelter on a dry, beautiful patch of land that looked safe, only to have it flooded in a storm he couldn't predict. He followed a trail that looked like a path to the ocean, only to find himself trapped in a dense mangrove swamp.

Confused and exhausted, he realized that his own understanding was his greatest enemy. He decided and surrendered his maps, his plans, and his instincts. He began to pray: "Lord, I don't know this place. I am blind. You must lead me." The next morning, while praying, he didn't hear a loud voice, but he felt a quiet, gentle urge—a "nudge" in his spirit—to go toward the dense, thick part of the forest, a place he had previously deemed impassable. His mind argued: That makes no sense. There is no path there. But his spirit felt peaceful about it. He obeyed. As he walked, he didn't see a clear road. He only saw enough light for the next step. When he obeyed that first step, another appeared. When he followed that urge, he didn't find the easiest path, but he did find water. Then, he found food. Months later, he was rescued. When asked how he survived on such a dangerous island, he said: "I stopped trying to drive my life, and I allowed myself to be driven. I stopped trusting the map, and I trusted the Navigator.

Like the lost sailor, we often try to map out our careers, marriages, and futures using human logic. Being led by the Spirit means yielding your plans to Him. The Spirit operates in peace: The Holy Spirit usually guides through an inward, quiet witness or a sense of peace—not necessarily a booming voice. A lack of peace, or a disturbance of peace, is often the Spirit’s way of saying "no" to a decision. Often, the Spirit’s leading seems "foolish" or illogical at first. The goal is not to understand the whole journey, but to be obedient to the step in front of you. God doesn't guide a "parked car." You must take action, and as you move, the Spirit will guide you. The sailor had to start walking before the path appeared. The Goal is doing God's will, Not your Comfort. The Spirit does not lead us to avoid all trouble, but to "mortify the flesh" and become more like Christ. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit leads us into situations that require great sacrifice, but he also brings the grace to endure it. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Gal. 5:18.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John. 10:27.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, I thank You for the promise that I will hear Your voice saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whether I turn to the right or to the left. I ask for the sensitivity to hear Your voice and the obedience to follow it. Close every door not meant for me and open the doors that lead to my divine purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen."

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Josh. 10:1-43.

Josh. 11:1-25.

Josh. 12:1-24.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“The Will Of God Will Never Lead You To Where The Grace Of God Cannot Protect You.”