Years ago, I was teaching somewhere on the subject of divine leading. After taking time to show from scriptures the imperatives and implications of following the will of God, one young man asked a rather unusual question; “Must everybody be led? Can’t I just use my head and make decisions?”
Friend, everybody does not have to be led, but everybody should desire to be led. The question is not that of compulsion but that of wisdom (Deuteronomy 4:5-6). Just like someone can argue that, “Must I be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues?” You don’t have to, but you would be better off with it.
Not speaking in tongues or allowing the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life may not take you to hell, but it can make you live in hell on earth. When Jesus called the Holy Spirit our advantage, it means that you would operate at a disadvantage in life if you don’t recognize and give Him His place in your life (John 16:7).
While Jesus brought us into sonship, the Holy Spirit brings us into the manifestation of sonship (John 1:12, Romans 8:14). You cannot enjoy the blessings of salvation if you don’t allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. It is a blessing, not a burden. It is your advantage in the journey of life (Isaiah 48:17, 21).
God wants to lead everybody, but God would not lead everybody the same way. Most times, when people say that they do not hear God, what they often mean is that they do not hear an audible voice. God may not lead you the way He leads your pastor or the men of God that you know around but He would sure lead you the way He knows best; He would lead you the way He knows you cannot miss it (Romans 8:16).
God hides things from (for) us by placing them close to us (Deuteronomy 29:29). Therefore, being led by God is not supposed to be an uphill task. Unfortunately, many have been taught wrongly around this area. You need to recognize the way God leads you uniquely. God is a God of patterns; know His unique pattern of leading you and follow it. You will succeed!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria