We have been given the Word of God as a set of instructions to guide us through life. David was well aware of God’s Word and referred to it often in the psalms he wrote. Yet in the twenty-fifth psalm, he asked:
“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day” (Ps. 25:4, 5).
Even though David had the Word of God, he realized that he needed God’s instruction concerning its application in His life and the service God had called him to perform. Therefore, he asked God for His revelation.
Revelation and information are two different things. God’s Word contains a wealth of information; however, knowing this information is not enough. We need to “hear” God’s application of His Word in our life. When we “hear” God’s instruction, it becomes a revelation of His will and our faith is increased, which strengthens us to carry out His will. That is why Paul wrote:
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17, emphasis added).
I will share an experience from my early ministry to illustrate this point. I had been working at my first church assignment after graduating from seminary for about six months when I decided to conduct an evangelistic series. The plans were laid and everything was in place. But one morning, while sitting in the church office, I began feeling a little fearful. This was the first evangelistic meeting I had conducted, and it seemed somewhat overwhelming. I didn’t know what was going to happen. Was anyone going to come? Would everything go OK? Would there be any decisions for Christ? As these anxious feelings engulfed me, I knelt down and talked to the Lord about the situation. During the prayer I was impressed to read the Bible, so I got up and opened the Bible to the book of John. As I read I came to John 15:16:
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
As I silently read this verse, it seemed to sound audibly in my ears. It was as though God spoke it to me. I heard God’s Word to me. My faith was strengthened, and I was encouraged that the meetings would go well, and they did.
That was the first experience I recall of waiting on God to hear His instruction for me in a particular situation. Of course, He had directed me many times before. But I was young and just learning how the Lord leads His children.
God wants to direct all His children in the way that they should go, in the decisions they should make. Our part is to humbly seek His guidance and wait until His will becomes clear. He will always hear and answer such prayers.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye” (Ps. 32:8).”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. What is the difference between receiving information and receiving revelation from God’s Word?
2. What must we do in order to receive God’s guidance?
3. List one or more scriptures where God promises to guide His children.
4. Give one or more examples when you have received a revelation from God’s Word that has guided your life.
Prayer Activity
• Call your prayer partner and discuss this devotional with him/her.
• Pray with your prayer partner:
1. for God to baptize you with His Holy Spirit.
2. for God to revive you and His church.
3. for God to guide you in every detail of your life.
4. for the individuals on your prayer list.”
Excerpt From: Dennis Smith. “40 Days.” iBooks.