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“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.” - Ephesians 2:19

“…But the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9b). The word “establish” means to “set straight, to direct, or to put on the right path.” God wants to guide our steps. He wants to make sure we are walking on the right path, in the right direction, in the right way. How does God do this? God has given us certain tools to help us find His will in a particular situation…especially when we have more than one option or path we can take.

There are three ways God will speak to and guide us. The first way is through biblical principles. This is the primary way God speaks to us. The Bible is not just the “Good Book.” It is also a “Guide Book.” The Bible will not give you specific answers on where you should live, the person you should marry, or what job you should take. It will, however, give you principles and guidelines that will help you eliminate certain choices and consider others. God’s direction will never contradict His Word.

The second way God guides us is through wise people. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” The sure way to make a bad decision is to get bad advice from unwise people. Before you seek someone’s advice ask yourself, “Has this person arrived at the destination that I am seeking? Are they walking with God the way that I want to walk with God?”

The third way God guides us is through spiritual prompting. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. You will find that the more you read your Bible, the more you spend time with God, and the better your know God, the better you will recognize His voice when He speaks to you.

God has given us two guardrails on the highway of life. One is the Bible and the other is the Holy Spirit. The Scripture protects us from rational decisions – doing what we think we should; and the Holy Spirit protects us from emotional decisions – doing what we feel we should do.

When God speaks and you have heard Him, there will be peace in your heart that nothing can shake. When God guides and you trust Him there is a 100% assurance that you are doing what you believe God would have you do. Remember this, the will of God will never lead you where the peace of God will not keep you.

Application: Are you listening to God as He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and wise people?