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Answer
The longing for guidance and divine direction is universal. Across all cultures, the wise and knowledgeable are esteemed, and their advice is sought by those grappling with decisions. Regrettably, this wisdom is often of human origin and can result in disaster, as every individual is fallible, and our understanding is frequently questionable “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”, (1 Corinthians 1:20). When individuals seek supernatural wisdom, they often turn to the spiritual realm by consulting mediums, witches, or other avenues prohibited by God (Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:14). However, Isaiah 8:19 states, “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
So, how can we receive answers from God? If we are genuinely committed to seeking His wisdom, how can we discover it? Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Therefore, God assures that those who earnestly seek His guidance with all their hearts will obtain it. Nevertheless, there are several prerequisites that must be met before we can lay claim to this promise:
1. We must do it God’s way. The Lord God Almighty is not a vending machine or a genie who grants wishes. Yet, this is often the underlying mindset of those who profess to desire His direction. Many individuals live as their own masters but, in times of tragedy or sorrow, momentarily show interest in God. If we seek guidance from God, we must approach Him through the only means He has provided for such a relationship—His Son. Jesus stated, “I am the way and the truth and the
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Our only access to the Father is when we come through the sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son. When we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, we become the children of God (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10). God’s promises in Scripture are for His children. So when we come to Him in the way He has provided, we can claim His promises for wisdom and guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5).
2. We must know what God’s Word says. There is much guidance already given to us, and we need only to read it in the Bible. We do not need to seek direction about whether or not to sin. If God has already stated something in His Word, He will not contradict it. He will not instruct us to murder someone, steal, or commit adultery. Prohibitions against such things are already clearly stated in His Word, and He expects us to follow them (Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20). For example, many unmarried couples try to insist that “God understands” the fact that they are sleeping together before marriage. Some even claim that they “prayed about it and feel it’s OK.” This thinking is in clear defiance of God’s stated commands against sexual immorality “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”, (Hebrews 13:4). To justify sin by saying that God has made an exception to His own commands is to reveal one does not really want the guidance of God.
3. We must be in coContinual fellowship with the Holy Spirit. God communicates not only through His Word but also through the affirmations of His Spirit within us. Romans 8:16 states, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” How does He “bear witness with our spirit”? When we experience spiritual rebirth «Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. », (John 3:3), the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and transforms us into “new creatures” «For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.», (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our once lifeless human spirits, under the dominion of our flesh, are revitalized with new strength and a divine longing that originates from God Himself (Colossians 2:13;Ephesians 2:5). As we surrender more areas of our lives to Him, He communicates within our spirits, convicting us of sin, directing us towards wisdom, and affirming His delight in our obedience (Psalm 16:11;2 Corinthians 5:9;Colossians 1:10;Galatians 5:22).
4. We must seek divine guidance. James 4:2 declares, “You do not have because you do not ask.” When our hearts are aligned with God, then James 1:5 assures us that we can request wisdom and trust that we will receive it. We can seek His direction into all truth (John 16:13;Psalm 25:5). By asking in faith, we can proceed confidently in the path that seems wisest, continuously praying for God to close any door that He did not.To open. We move forward with eyes wide open, remaining in prayer and seeking God’s answer with a heart ready to obey.
5. We must be willing to obey when He provides us with guidance. Often, when individuals express a desire to understand God’s will, what they truly imply is: “I wish to grasp God’s will—then I will determine whether or not I will follow it.” God already comprehends the depths of our hearts and frequently chooses not to disclose His plan to a stubborn heart that refuses to obey (Psalm 51:10-12;Proverbs 1:28-29;John 14:24;Isaiah 1:15-16). Surrender should accompany every prayer request. We are not here to impose our will on Him; rather, we exist for His pleasure and glory. He aims to work in our lives to fulfill His purposes for us (Philippians 2:13;Colossians 1:16).
The Lord is a God who communicates, and He takes pleasure in providing divine guidance to those who seek Him «A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?», (Proverbs 20:24). He desires to guide the heart that is surrendered to Him. When we approach Him in the manner He has prescribed for us, when we seek His wisdom with a heart ready to obey «Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.», (Proverbs 3:13), then we can walk confidently knowing that He is directing our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
