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KNOWING GOD'S WILL
This article was posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008
Powerful praying is only possible if we pray in the will of God. 1 John 5:14,15 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask- we know that we have what we ask of Him.”
There exists in Italy a remote harbor reached only by crossing a narrow channel dangerously lined with jagged rocks. Even the solidly built vessels have been lost. In the black of night, it is extremely difficult for a ship’s captain to steer his craft through the treacherous harbor. Some years ago, recognizing this danger, maritime authorities at a nearby port carefully mounted three special lights throughout the harbor for the purpose of guiding vessels in the night. The captains of these, however, do not steer from one light to the next as they cross the narrow channel. Rather, each light must be lined up perfectly with the others. If the captain sees two or three separate lights in the distance, he knows he is off course. All three must line up perfectly.
There is a similar truth involved in seeking guidance from God through prayer. In order to navigate our vessels properly, God has provided three lights that must be lined up carefully if we are to proceed safely in His will.
1. The will of God is made known in God’s word.
Some matters are clearly God’s will. The Bible makes it plain. For example, we know that God longs for all to be saved. World evangelization is the will of God. We all know it is God’s will that we do not commit adultery. Scripture says, “Thou shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14.) So in many cases God’s word clearly reveal God’s will. God’s word is the foundation for all guidance.
2. The will of God is made known by circumstances. Often God reveals through unique situations and circumstances. Example is a young man in law school who spent much time in prayer concerning God’s will for his life. He questioned whether to continue studying law or leave law to enter seminary. If during his weeks of searching the young man suddenly receives an expected an unexpected full scholarship for his remaining years at law school, it could be that God is guiding through this circumstances. God often uses circumstances to lead His children.
3. The will of God is made known by the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus made it clear the Holy Spirit would live within us for the purpose of guiding and directing us (John 14:17). He told His disciples not to worry beforehand about answering questions when they were arrested because the Holy Spirit within would give wisdom in that moment. It would be the inner voice of the Holy Spirit guiding them (Matthew 10: 19). So it is for the believers today. The inner voice of the Spirit will guide and direct.
These three important aspect of guidance – God’s Word, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit – are vitally important in determining God’s will for a given matter. But all three must function in harmony with each other to assure true guidance. Like the lights in the Italian harbor, these “spiritual lights” must line up as one. Only then should we move forward in a particular direction.
(Above information are all excerpts from LITERATURE WORLD CRUSADE)
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