How do you know the difference between what comes to your mind, and direction from God? There is a persistency to direction.
The Bible says in Proverbs 19:21 (NIV), “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” In Psalm 32:8 the Lord promises, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
When we know what God wants us to do, then we can have total confidence that what we are attempting is right and that God is on our side. Direction is simply this: a stream with banks. And the most far-reaching, challenging direction is the most significant, because God is in it.
Direction is a matter of fact; ideas are a matter of opinion. One characteristic of direction from God is that it will always be humanly impossible to follow and fulfill alone without Him.
Direction is the mother of divine discomfort. We should have a certain divine discomfort at all times. A sensing that God is always wanting to direct us every day. A stirring in our hearts so that we are never quite satisfied spiritually with where we are in God or what we’re doing for Him. We believers should be known as a people with a mission, not people just fishin’.
Evangelist R. W. Schambach puts it this way: “Be called and sent, not up and went.” We are a people with a purpose, not a problem.
God always calls us to and from. In Colossians 1:12-13 the Apostle Paul writes: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Be sure to look for areas God is calling you out of as well as in to. There is also a difference between God’s will in our lives and God’s will for our lives.
God’s will for our lives are those tings that He intends for every person – salvation, strength, health, peace, joy, etc. but God’s will in our lives is unique to each individual. One person may be called to live in one place all his life, while another is called to move six times within ten years.
Never be afraid of the light of God’s direction. Maurice Freehill said, “Who is more foolish, a child afraid of the dark or the man afraid of the light?”
Know this: wherever God guides, He provides. And where God calls, He appoints and anoints to do the work. Lay hold of those persistent directions in our life, and tap into the power of God’s will for you.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing Group
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.