How to Know God’s Will
The jagged coastline of Massachusetts claimed many ships during the early years of our country making it necessary to build lighthouses, beacons to lead ships to safe passage. One area in particular off the coast of Chatham, MA was particularly treacherous, so in 1808 they built a twin lighthouse plus two additional towers – floating lighthouses on wooden skids – that could be moved as the channel shifted. In order to have safe passage into the harbor, all four lights had to line up and appear as one. If ships could not line up the lights, they were in danger of being dashed on the rocks.
Knowing God’s will is much the same way. Life can be difficult to navigate. Sometimes choices appear to be obvious, but end up up being the wrong choice because we haven’t stopped to ask for guidance. Over the years I’ve learned there are four ways He speaks to me that need to line up, otherwise I run the risk of running aground.
First, He uses His Word. It serves as the plumb line for all the other lights. I need to search the Scriptures and ask myself if God says this as a command in His Word, or is it in line with the principles He has set forth in His Word. (Psalm 119:9-11,105) This lighthouse is built upon the bedrock foundation on solid ground.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16,17 He uses His Word to tell me what to believe, to correct what I am believing wrong or doing wrong, and He also tells me what I am doing right. His will will NEVER run contrary to His Word.
The second lighthouse that needs to line up is Others. God speaks through other people and what they say to me or how they counsel me. Remember, all the lighthouses must come into alignment with the plumb line of Scripture.
In 2 Chronicles 20:3-20 God spoke through Jahaziel to answer the cries of the people. They were in a desperate situation. By all circumstances, they were about to be slaughtered and defeated by the enemy. But God used Jahaziel to remind them the battle is the Lord’s. Take a look and read this passage when you have a moment. It’s one of my favorites.
The third lighthouse that needs to line up is God’s Spirit. He will give me reoccurring thoughts, peace, or unrest. I must be very careful with this one because I have my own thoughts and the liar can give lying thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). In Acts 8:20 the Holy Spirit told Philip what to do. And in Acts 16:6,7 the Spirit also tells me what NOT to do. Galatians 5:18 clearly tells me I am to be led by the Spirit.
The fourth lighthouse that needs to line up is circumstances. This refers to the doors God is opening or closing, not those I am forcing open. In Genesis 37:23-28 God used circumstances to take Joseph to Egypt because it was His will. He had a purpose for him to be there.
The waters of life are difficult to navigate on our own. They can produce fear and anxiety with every swell. I may think I can get through this on my own, but sooner or later I will be dashed against the jagged rocks, my life shattered and in a thousand tiny pieces if I don’t keep my eyes focused on the lighthouses God has placed in my life to guide me safely home.
Thank You, Lord, for the ways in which You make Your will known to me. Teach me to know the path of life. Show me through Your Word, the wise counsel of others, Your Holy Spirit, and the circumstances that surround me, what Your will is for my life. Help me align myself with Your will so these 4 lighthouses line up as one to lead me in Your perfect will. In the Strong Name of Jesus, Amen.
Sound advice! Thank you for giving us such a clear perspective on a murky subject!
Powerful message, Marsha. It is great to know that God continues to guide us and help us to navigate through the waters of life.
Love this post Marsha, especially that last paragraph.