God is faithful, and you can depend on him completely! When you know this truth about God, you stand firm on a rock-solid foundation against the fiercest storms of life.
For believers in Jesus, dependence on the faithfulness of God is not an emergency action in a crisis, but a way of life developed over time as we repeatedly experience his loving care. God wants us to trust Him, to count on His faithfulness in everyday situations as if to prove His dependable nature to the world around us.
Believing in God’s faithfulness is often a struggle because our human nature is constantly urging us to depend on what we can see, hear and feel. But when we focus on our own resources, we begin to fall into patterns of self-reliance, worry, and even depression. We even start doubting if God is really in control or if he truly cares about us.
On the other hand, the Holy Spirit encourages us to believe what God has revealed in the Bible and act accordingly. Because God is trustworthy, we can confidently believe what he reveals to us. When we take the appropriate action based on His Word, we demonstrate our faith in him. As we persevere in doing what God has told us, we will see the fulfillment of what he has promised. We experience God’s faithfulness and dependability only when we live a life in full reliance on him by faith.
To rely on God by faith does not mean that we have nothing to do. The key is to act according to what the Word of God reveals. That includes remembering and holding onto God’s promises found in the Scriptures. That also includes doing our best as to the Lord (Colossians 3:23) and trusting Him for the right results at the right time.
That God is dependable does not mean that he will do everything we want. We are not his masters but God is our Master and loving Father. His faithfulness does not mean that he will act according to our plan and timetable. God will act according to his perfect will and wisdom for our good. So, perseverance is also important in experiencing his faithfulness.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see…Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” —Hebrews 11:1, 6
God is pleased when we fully rely on him all the time in every situation. But it is a process that develops over time as our knowledge of him increases and we repeatedly experience his loving care.
We know that his Word is true and, because of it, we grow to trust in his goodness and faithfulness to us. As we see how God has proven himself to be faithful in circumstance after circumstance, our confidence in him grows.
A. W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, says, “Faith is not in itself a meritorious act; the merit is in the One toward Whom it is directed. Faith is a redirecting of our sight, a getting out of the focus of our own vision and getting God into focus.”
God never wants you to go it alone. He is with you all the time and will never leave or forsake you. In fact, he even goes ahead of you to prepare the path before you get there. He is with you every minute of the journey.
The Bible declares,
The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8, BSB)
You may go through dark valleys. There may be detours and cliffs on either side of the road. But there is no reason for you to feel anxious or discouraged. God hasn’t forgotten you. He is right there with you—listening to you, loving you, and desiring a closer relationship with you. Lean on him when things seem hopeless and he will give you the love, strength, and encouragement you need to take the next step.
We are never meant to go through a crisis alone. God brings all sorts of people into our life– family members, friends, allies, co-workers, teachers, mentors, even strangers at times. They can be the vessels God uses to bring comfort and relief.
You are not alone. Jesus promised,
I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, AMP)
Throughout your life, God is with you even before you acknowledged him as God. Now that you believe in him, you can focus on his presence at every step of your journey.
Just because you acknowledge his presence in your journey, that does not always mean it will be smooth sailing. The current crisis may last longer than you wish, and your situation may get even worse before it gets better. You don’t yet see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The good news is that God is always with you and will be there on your journey. Even when you feel like you are alone, he has not forgotten you or left you. He is right there with you because he highly values your relationship with him. He will comfort you, encourage you, and give you strength. He will even make you laugh!
Moses understood the importance of God’s presence in his journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses requested the Lord for his presence to go with him.
If your presence does not go with us, do not take us up from here. For how will it be known then that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not by your going with us, so that we will be distinguished, I and your people, from all the people who are on the face of the earth? (Exodus 33:15-16)
Moses had a history of being with God and learned to remain close to him. He knew the “secret” of his journey was the presence of God.
He is with you. Focus on his presence for every step of your journey.
The world says you’re supposed to be all upset, wringing your hands, wondering what to do next in the face of difficulties and crises. But the Bible teaches us that if we walk hand in hand with God, he will bring good out of bad situations.
The apostle Paul explained,
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28, NLT)
The Christian life isn’t trouble-free. You will still encounter adversity. But God has given you a new spirit so you can triumph over trials.
Jesus promised,
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, NLT)
With God, you don’t need to fear. No matter how bad your circumstances are, God wants you to look to him and trust him. Why? Because he is able to use any adversity for your ultimate good. Yes, it may be difficult for a season. But in the end, you can’t lose because he is stacking the deck in your favor.
Even when you can’t control your external circumstances, you can always choose your attitude toward others and your situation. As you focus on relevant Bible promises, God will help change your attitude. And through your changed attitude, God will also work to change the world around you!
When your heart is aligned with God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will work wonders, making something good and beautiful out of the worst of circumstances!
The following is a list of Bible verses. They are all God’s promises for you! The Word of God is powerful. It is the truth. Memorize his promises. Apply them to your circumstances by quoting them in your conversations. Share his promises with others to encourage them to draw nearer to God.
Abandonment / Loneliness
“Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before
them, for the LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail
you or abandon you!” —Deuteronomy 31:6
“I will not abandon you as orphans, I will come to you.”
—John 14:18
“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those
whose hope is in his unfailing love,” — Psalm 33:18, NLT
“And remember, I (Jesus) am with you always, to the end of
the age.” — Matthew 28:20
Deliverance / Protection
“The LORD’s
angel camps around the LORD’s loyal followers and delivers them.” —Psalm 34:7
“Do not be
afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction overtakes the wicked; for the
Lord will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from
being caught in a trap.” —Proverbs 3:25-26
“The Lord
your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great
delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”
—Zephaniah 3:17
“As for you,
the one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, and resides in the
protective shadow of the Sovereign One – I say this about the LORD, my shelter
and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust – he will certainly rescue you from
the snare of the hunter and from the destructive plague.” —Psalm 91:1-3
“Whoever
presents a thank-offering honors me. To whoever obeys my commands, I will
reveal my power to deliver.” —Psalm 50:23
“The LORD
says, ‘Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him; I will protect him
because he is loyal to me.’” —Psalm 91:14
“The name of
the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set
safely on high.” —Proverbs 18:10
“He
delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set
our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again,” —2 Corinthians 1:10
“How great
is your favor, which you store up for your loyal followers! In plain sight of
everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you. You hide them with
you, where they are safe from the attacks of men; you conceal them in a
shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.” —Psalm 31:19-20
“’Do not be
afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,’
says the LORD.” —Jeremiah 1:8
“When you
pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they
will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not harm you.” —Isaiah 43:2
“The LORD is
near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely. He satisfies the
desire of his loyal followers; he hears their cry for help and delivers them.”
—Psalm 145:18-19
“The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.” —2 Timothy 4:18
“God is our
strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble. For this reason we
do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of
the sea,” —Psalm 46:1-2
“I will lie
down and sleep peacefully, for you, LORD, make me safe and secure.” —Psalm 4:8
“Consequently
the LORD provides safety for the oppressed; he provides safety in times of
trouble.” —Psalm 9:9
“He will
surely give me shelter in the day of danger; he will hide me in his home; he
will place me on an inaccessible rocky summit.” —Psalm 27:5
“The Lord
will fight for you, and you can be still.” —Exodus 14:14
“For the
LORD God is our sovereign protector. The LORD bestows favor and honor; he withholds
no good thing from those who have integrity. O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, how
blessed are those who trust in you!” —Psalm 84:11-12
“He will
rescue me and protect me from those who attack me, even though they greatly
outnumber me.” —Psalm 55:18
“The Lord is good – indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him.” —Nahum 1:7
Difficulties / Adversity
“And we know
that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called
according to his purpose,” —Romans 8:28
“Who will
separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake
we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be
slaughtered.” No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who
loved us!” —Romans 8:35-37
“Happy is
the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will
receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12
“And, after you
have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his
eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and
establish you.” —1 Peter 5:10
“I have told
you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have
trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.” — John
16:33
“For the LORD listens to the needy; he does not despise his captive people.” —Psalm 69:33
Provision
“And my God
will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19
“He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not
reject their pleas.” — Psalm 102:17, NLT
“The LORD is
my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures; he leads me to
refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for
the sake of his reputation.” —Psalm 23:1-3
“My blessing
is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me. They will
be like a tree planted near a stream whose roots spread out toward the water.
It has nothing to fear when the heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has
no need to be concerned in a year of drought. It does not stop bearing fruit.”
—Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Therefore I
tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about
your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to
the body than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap,
or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more
valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to
his life? Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the
field grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in
all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the
wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat
the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith? So then,
don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will
we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father
knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well. So then, do not worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its
own.” —Matthew 6:25-34
“How blessed
is every one of the Lord’s loyal followers, each one who keeps his commands!
You will eat what you worked so hard to grow. You will be blessed and secure.”
—Psalm 128:1-2
“Let them
give thanks to the LORD for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has
done for people! For he has satisfied those who thirst, and those who hunger he
has filled with food.” —Psalm 107:8-9
“Even young
lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no
good thing.” —Psalm 34:10
“You
open your hand, and fill every living thing with the food they desire…He
satisfies the desire of his loyal followers; he hears their cry for help and
delivers them.” —Psalm 145:16,19
God is at work in our lives every day. But sadly, all too often, we are so preoccupied with worry and fear about tomorrow that we don’t notice what God is doing right now. He is blessing you today with good things. Shift your focus from the future to the present and acknowledge the gifts God is already giving you.
The apostle Paul admonishes,
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)
God wants to cultivate a gratitude-filled heart within each of us. Thankfulness in our hearts is our acknowledgment of the wonderful nature and character of God: God is sovereign, God is good, and God is a provider. God is loving. God is our heavenly father.
So how can we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to develop a consistent attitude of gratitude?
Choose to look at life from a gratitude perspective.
Thankfulness is a choice. It is intentional. You can’t experience gratitude if you are focusing on negative circumstances. Regardless of your difficulties, God is still a loving, good God.
Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20)
“The joy of the Holy Spirit is experienced by giving thanks in all situations.” —Bill Bright
There is always someone who you believe is better off than you. And there is always someone you know who has it worse. The joy of the Holy Spirit is experienced by giving thanks in all situations. The secret to living a life of gratitude is not to covet someone who has more but to be content with what God has chosen to give you.
Look for signs of God’s love and goodness for you.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes so you can see what God is doing in your life right now. Watch for his fingerprints on your daily activities as he orchestrates events and guides your footsteps.
May you be filled with joy, always thanking theFather. (Colossians 1:12)
Make it a habit to thank God for all that you notice as being unique in your day. Be alert and anticipate God’s involvement in your daily life. As you focus on his presence, the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to show you what God is doing in your life.
Meditate on God’s mercy, lovingkindness, and goodness.
There are times when we feel we deserve better. In reality, looking through God’s divine standards of holiness and righteousness, we deserve far less. It is only because of God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice for us that we can enjoy blessings that will last for eternity.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)
Be content with where you are and with what you have. When your life is characterized by a heart that overflows with gratitude to God for his goodness, you are the kind of person other people enjoy. Ask God to give you a heart of gratitude so others will enjoy being in your presence. Develop a habit of thankfulness and contentment.
Sometimes we get confused about the difference between our needs and wants. But it is clear to God. What is it that you really need in order to fulfill God’s purpose for today? God will supply what you need so you can accomplish his plan. However, it is human nature for us to want tomorrow’s needs supplied today as well. Why? Because then we can see our provision for the future, and feel peace based on current resources, not based on trust in our provider.
Since our Loving Father wants us to learn to live a life of faith, he asks us to trust him in the moment. Faith grows moment by moment, day by day. And as we add more and more “moments” to our experience of God interacting in our lives, our expectation that he will provide what we need for today becomes a reality.
King David explains how our reverence for God is beneficial,
Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. (Psalm 34:9, NLT)
Our needs are tools God uses to develop our faith. His provision is more than sufficient. His objective is to help us mature in faith so that we develop the habit of living a daily life of faith.
It pleases God when we live by faith, trusting in his lovingkindness. God wants us to live in dependence on him. He wants us to rely on him and to realize that he is the source of all good blessings that come into our life.
God views what we need differently from the way we do. God sees us as his children whose full potential needs to be realized so that we can be fully mature co-heirs with Christ. He sees our needs to be what is required to accomplish his plan and fulfill his purpose. His provision is abundant and more than sufficient.
The following Bible verses are among many others that demonstrate God’s faithfulness in providing for you.
Heavenly Father, You are the Faithful Sustainer of Creation.
“The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” —Hebrews 1:3
“Everything looks to you in anticipation, and you provide them with food on a regular basis. You open your hand, and fill every living thing with the food they desire.” —Psalms 145:15-16
“And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ” —Philippians 4:19
“ Fear the Lord, you chosen people of his, for those who fear him lack nothing! Even young lions sometimes lack food and are hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” —Psalms 34:9-10
“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ” —Matthew 7:7-8
Step 1: Ask God. Step 2: Seek the doorway for God’s answer. Step 3: Knock on the possible doors.
God created you. He fashioned every fiber of your being. He understands you better than you could ever hope to understand yourself. He knows every detail of your past and has a clear view of your future. He is not at all surprised by today’s events around you and by how they are affecting your life.
God also sees the consequences of decisions made today, even years into the future. We, on the other hand, are anchored in the present moment. As a result, our choices are based on limited insight and are influenced by what we believe will bring immediate happiness. We assume that what makes us happy today will certainly be good for us tomorrow. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
God wants the best for you. He wants you to trust Him for it and to realize that He is the source of all good things that come into your life. He knows all things and has a glorious future planned for you. But it requires that you turn over control of your life to Him. He wants you to trust Him with everything. He wants you to have complete faith in Him.
“For I know what I have planned for you,” says the LORD. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
The kind of faith God wants you to have in Him doesn’t happen overnight. At the same time, it is never too late. Start today! It is developed over time as you discover His magnificent attributes and watch Him orchestrate the events of your life. Your trust in God will grow as you walk with Him every day and discover the depth of His incredible love for you. Then, as you get to know Him better your beliefs will be grounded in biblical reality.
Three Prerequisites to Experience God’s Best
Begin a personal relationship with God
God reserves His “best” for His children. Are you part of His eternal family? He offers you all His best, but you can only receive it through His Son, Jesus Christ. He offers you purpose in life, forgiveness for your sin, and eternity with Him in Heaven, as well as family benefits, while here on Earth. [read more]
Be empowered by the Holy Spirit
God has designed you for “supernatural living,” which is dependent on Him for wisdom, power, and resources, available to you only through the filling of the Holy Spirit. You can only live the Christian life successfully by depending on the Holy Spirit to transform you. [read more]
Live life God’s way
Are you living the life God’s way or your own way? Do you know how God defines “successful living”? Are you letting God have His way in your life? God changes people from the inside out. It all begins with a heart change that leads to personal transformation, which makes it possible to have healthy relationships. [read more]
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father. (James 1:17)
Father Knows Best
Given a choice between good and best, almost everyone would choose the best. But what is “best”? According to society, the best is whatever helps me the most quickly in my current situation. It produces favorable circumstances and accomplishes what I desire. However, according to God, the best is whatever helps me the most, not just for this moment in time, but forever. It produces favorable character and accomplishes God’s purposes.
The best is not the same for you as it is for me. It is not a universal one-size-fits-all package. The best is custom-designed by God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth as you ask these questions:
Will this choice fit into God’s purpose for my life?
God created each one of us for a purpose and anything that interferes with that purpose will distract us.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21, NIV)
It is important to stay focused on God’s plans and purposes and not our own.
Will this choice align with God’s guidelines for life?
God created the universe and established the laws and principles for a harmonious life. When we choose to live contrary to those rules, we will encounter unavoidable problems.
“Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 12:28)
God’s rules for life are like guideposts or guardrails. They keep us on the path to his best.
Will this choice pass the test of time?
The best is always determined by time. What is best right now may look very different a year from now or ten years from now. Circumstances change and so do people.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:10)
Our faithful God’s time frame for life is like a scoreboard clock that we can’t see. No matter what the score may be right now, the best is not obvious until the buzzer sounds and the game of life is over. God always sees long-range and guides us within that framework.
The bottom line? Only God can know what’s ultimately best. The purpose of our lives is clearly understood by him. Your time frame for life is completely visible to him. Only God is capable of orchestrating the countless variables of life into a journey that leads to his best for you now and into eternity.
“Waiting is the hardest kind of work, but God knows best, and we may joyfully leave all in his hands.” —Lottie Moon
God’s plan for our life is usually revealed progressively, one situation at a time. Obviously, most of us would like to see the entire road map now, but that is not how God operates. He wants us to walk by faith, taking one step at a time in the direction he has planned for us. Taking that step without fear requires a communicative and trusting relationship with him.
God is your guide, companion, provider, and protector. You don’t know what the future holds. You don’t even know what lies around the next bend of life. But he does. And he is committed to caring for you. God is more capable and involved in guiding your steps and orchestrating your circumstances than you can imagine.
The Bible explains,
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9, NLT)
In a crisis, the end is not in sight, and the current situation is often confusing. In such a situation, we really want to know what’s next and what to expect for the future.
God knows all things. He knows exactly what will happen tomorrow, next month, and years from now. But he only reveals solutions to us, when it is time to take that next step. Why? Because God wants us to walk by faith, taking one step at a time as he guides each step. That requires a close relationship between God and you.
He is your guide, companion, provider, and protector. His intention is not to keep you in the dark, but rather to make sure to lead you to your wonderful destination.
Jesus promises: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” —John 16:13
You can prepare yourself to receive truth from the Holy Spirit by:
Humbling yourself before God,
Surrendering your will to him, and
Reading the Bible to renew your mind with the right perspective.
Then the Holy Spirit will direct your steps through what you read in the Bible, or godly counsel, or providential circumstances.
Make me understand your ways, O Lord! Teach me your paths! Guide me into your truth and teach me. For you are the God who delivers me; on you I rely all day long. (Psalm 25:4–5)
It’s very common for Christians to know about prayer, study prayer, memorize prayer verses, read books about it, and still not believe that prayer makes any difference. when we don’t actually pray, we prove we don’t really believe what God says about it
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals a simple but profound three-step process to help us pray:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals a simple but profound three-step process to help us: ask, seek, and knock.
When we are looking for something, we usually change this sequence. First, we begin by seeking. Then we knock on various doors to see if any will open. And then finally, we ask a person hoping to get the answer we desire.
Did Jesus make a mistake with this sequence? Why did he begin with “ask”? The answer is actually quite obvious. Jesus is not talking about asking a person. He is telling us to ask God before we even begin seeking and knocking.
Ask
Have you ever asked someone you didn’t know for something significant? If so, deep down you probably doubted you would get what you wanted. That’s because the depth of the relationship needs to be in proportion to the size of the request.
Jesus tells us to ask our heavenly Father (see Matthew 7:9–11). We begin by asking him for the things we desire. We go to him because we know he cares. We go to him because he wants to be involved in our lives.
Prayer changes things in the spiritual realm when we ask according to God’s guidelines (see 1 John 5:14–15; Matthew 21:22; James 4:3; 1 John 3:21–22; John 15:7; John 15:16; Luke 18:1, 6–8).
However, it may take time before that change becomes noticeable in the physical realm. By faith, make it a habit to thank God for his answer while you wait for its manifestation.
Seek
Why does God want us to seek after asking him for what we desire? Seeking implies faith and expectation. Do you believe in God’s ability to fulfill your desire? Are you trusting that he cares enough about you to follow through? Are your motives for the request according to God’s standards?
Work through whatever issues you may have so that you can actively watch and expect God to act on your behalf. The apostle Paul tells us, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2, NIV).
Look for possible ways through which God may answer your prayer. With an attitude of expectation and anticipation, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Stay alert; if you believe God has answered your prayer, you will be looking for its manifestation.
Knock
God doesn’t just want you to watch for opportunities expectantly, he also wants you to put feet to your faith. As the Holy Spirit makes you aware of possibilities, be faithful to pursue them. Knock on the door of a possibility to see if it will open wide or slam shut.
What God doesn’t answer immediately he will answer eventually. As you walk by faith, continue to thank God for his answer. Although you do not know when it will arrive, it will be on schedule according to his timetable. Keep on thanking him for his promise: “For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8, NIV).
As we ask, seek, and knock for God’s next steps for us, here is how we can be ready to receive his guidance.
Receive God’s Guidance
1. Prepare your heart to hear God.
By getting right with God
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9, NIV
By surrendering your will to God
“We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.” —John 9:31, NIV
By humbling yourself before God
“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” —Micah 6:8, NIV
By renewing your mind with biblical truth
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:2, NIV
By having a mindset of faith, trust, and expectancy toward God
“We live by faith, not by sight.” —2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV
By being patient and willing to wait on God
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” —Psalm 27:14
2. Monitor God’s channels of communication.
God directs our steps through his Word, the Bible.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” —Psalm 119:105, NIV
God directs our steps through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” —John 16:13, NIV
God directs our steps through other people.
“Make plans by seeking advice.” —Proverbs 20:18, NIV
God directs our steps through providential circumstances.
“But Joseph said…’You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'” —Genesis 50:19–20, NIV
3. Make sure the direction is from God.
Does it comply with the directions given in God’s written Word?
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule oversee.” —Psalm 119:133
Does it make sense when you use sanctified reasoning that is based on God’s truth?
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:2, NIV
Does it seem to fit with the surrounding circumstances?
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” —Ephesians 1:11, NIV
Does it concur with the advice you have received from wise godly counselors?
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” —Proverbs 15:22, NIV
Does it generate a supernatural inner peace and calmness that cannot be attributed to your circumstances?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:6–7, NIV
You do not have to be able to answer “yes” to all of the preceding questions to confirm the direction as being from God. However, if you answer “no” to any of these questions, wait on God to give you more confirmation before taking action.
4. Trust God to guide you.
Believe God will give you the wisdom you need.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” —James 1:5, NIV
Rely on God to show you the right way.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” —Psalm 32:8, NIV
Expect God to confirm or redirect your steps.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” —Proverbs 16:9, NIV
Discovering God’s will and discerning his direction is more dependent on your relationship with him than a process of steps. He wants to guide you. Stay close to him. Hear his words. Notice his signs. He will reveal his plan to you at the right time.
When you’re experiencing tough times, the last thing you want to do is to wait for relief. Don’t be discouraged! God knows what you are going through and wants the very best for you. He is the only One who knows what is truly best.
God’s timing is very different from our own. “Waiting on the Lord” is a strong theme throughout the Bible. Those waiting times can be some of our deepest, most meaningful times of fellowship with God. Jesus tells us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” and to not be anxious.
Take advantage of this waiting time to get to know and trust God. A.W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, says, “God is so vastly wonderful, so utterly and completely delightful that He can, without anything other than Himself, meet and overflow the deepest demands of our total nature, mysterious and deep as that nature is.” Have you experienced that yet? If not, I urge you to get to know Him better!
Be encouraged by the verses listed below and trust that God hasn’t forgotten you! He’s right here with you– listening to you, loving you, desiring a close relationship with you. Lean on His word and His understanding in times of seeming hopelessness and He will provide you with the love, strength, and encouragement you need.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior. (Psalm 42:5, NIV)
Hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. (Psalm 130:7, NLT2)
Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:4-5, NLT2)
Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24, NAS95)
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:114, NIV)
Sustain me according to your promise, and I shall live; do not let my hopes be dashed. (Psalm 119:116, NIV)
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. (Psalm 33:18, NIV)
Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalm 33:22, NLT2)
Put your hope in the LORD both now and for evermore. (Psalm 131:3, NIV)
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (Romans 15:4, NLT2)
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You. (Psalm 39:7, NLT2)
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood. (Psalm 71:5, NLT2)
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV)
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (Romans 12:12, NLT2)
God’s presence in your life is powerful. This is particularly assuring in a situation where your own power is totally inadequate. In his presence, you will experience the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the same presence and the same power that Jesus enjoyed when he was on earth because he remained in the Father.
In fact, the fullness of the Holy Spirit Jesus experienced moment by moment is God’s plan for you not only for a time like today but throughout your life!
The apostle Paul gives this directive:
“And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18)
You come under the influence of alcohol when you get drunk. You come under the full control of the Holy Spirit when you are filled with Him. The Spirit-filled life is a lifestyle under the loving leading and righteous guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It is a lifestyle and a daily habit to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He is God’s supernatural power in your life! Just as you can submit to Christ and give the Holy Spirit control of your life, you can take it back and run your life with your own wisdom and strength. So, to be filled with the Holy Spirit is a choice you make moment by moment.
“Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
To be filled with the Holy Spirit is also an act of faith.
“And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
You can be sure that because being filled with the Holy Spirit is God’s will for you, God will hear you and you will have what you have asked from Him if you ask and trust Him to fill you with the Spirit.
Once you have asked God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and trust Him that He has answered your request, you can confidently go about your life that the Holy Spirit is now leading and guiding you. Since you do not feel anything different, you must know by faith that the Spirit is now in charge of your life.
The Holy Spirit will guide and direct you in many different ways. You need to be attentive to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
Sometimes, you may think of a Scripture verse, or someone comes to your mind. Sometimes, you just “feel” like you need to do “this” or “that”. Your “gut” may tell you something. The Holy Spirit dwells in you; so, the chances are that you will not hear “a voice from above”. The gentle guidance of the Spirit will be coming from within you as your own thoughts, feelings, insights, and instinct. As long as these things are not contrary to the Word of God (Bible), you can wisely and prayerfully act on them. Because being filled with the Holy Spirit means being led and controlled by the Spirit, you must be willing to submit to His guidance and obey Him.
Your attitude should be one of being mindful of the Spirit throughout the day. Imagine that someone very important and you highly respect is following closely with you wherever you go. Knowing that He is with you, you can keep talking to the Spirit quietly, always rejoicing that He is leading you, and giving thanks in everything.
Now, if you are knowingly disobedient to God, you cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit. Because being filled with the Holy Spirit is to be obedient to God, you will not be filled with the Spirit if you are disobeying Him in some areas of your life. If you willfully sin, practice Spiritual Breathing. As long as you are living in harmony with God, you can be confident that God will be glad to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
