Navigating Life with God’s Guidance

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13

Isn’t it amazing how deeply God loves us? He’s made it so incredibly simple for us, in this new covenant, to connect with His wisdom and love. Think about it – in the Old Testament, people often had to go to prophets to discern God’s will. It was a more external process. But now, through Jesus, we have a direct line to the Father! He Himself, through the Holy Spirit, dwells within us and guides us. What a privilege!

This passage really speaks to my heart because it addresses a question many of us have: “How do I know what God wants me to do?” It’s so easy to get caught up in the details, worrying about whether we’re making the “right” choice. But the core message here is beautiful in its simplicity: God leads us through our hearts.

Think about it. Have you ever felt a tug, a gentle nudge towards a particular action or a specific person? Maybe it’s a desire to volunteer at a soup kitchen, a longing to mentor a young person, or a prompting to reach out to a friend who’s been going through a tough time. These aren’t just random thoughts; they can be the very voice of God whispering to us.

The passage mentions those who want to serve the Lord but don’t know where to start. This is something I think many of us can relate to. We have a heart full of love for God and a desire to serve Him, but sometimes we feel lost, unsure of where to direct our energy. The answer, so beautifully put here, is to look within. What stirs your heart? What are you passionate about? What are your gifts and talents? God has placed those desires within you for a reason. He’s given you a heart that resonates with certain causes, certain people, certain needs. And as new covenant believers, we have the incredible promise that God’s laws are written not just on tablets of stone, but on our very minds and hearts! This means that His will isn’t some distant, unattainable mystery. It’s woven into the fabric of who we are.

The passage also brings up the idea of financial giving, which can be a tricky area. It talks about the importance of following those inner promptings, even if the situation isn’t what we expect. We might see someone who appears prosperous and think, “They don’t need my help.” But God might be prompting us to bless them anyway. Perhaps they’re facing a hidden struggle, or perhaps God simply wants to use us as a conduit of His love and generosity.

On the flip side, the passage warns us against being deceived by appearances. It gives the example of con artists who try to manipulate people’s emotions to get money. We’ve all heard stories like that, and it’s a sad reminder that not everyone is who they seem to be. This is why it’s so crucial to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We can’t just go by what we see on the surface. We need to pray for discernment, asking God to show us the truth.

The passage also reminds us that there are genuinely good people who might be struggling financially but who don’t advertise their needs. They might dress nicely for church out of respect for God and the community, but behind the scenes, they could be facing hardship. If we rely only on our eyes, we might miss opportunities to show God’s love and provide practical help to those who truly need it.

So how do we navigate these situations? How do we discern between a genuine prompting from God and our own assumptions or biases? It comes back to cultivating a deep relationship with Him. The more we spend time in prayer, reading His Word, and fellowshipping with other believers, the more attuned we become to His voice. We learn to recognize His gentle nudges, His quiet whispers of guidance.

The key phrase here is “promptings of our hearts.” It’s not about ignoring logic or common sense. It’s about allowing God to speak to us through our desires, our passions, and our concerns. It’s about recognizing that He has placed those things within us for a purpose. He’s given us a new heart, a heart that is capable of hearing His voice.

And that’s such a powerful truth! We don’t have to strive and struggle to earn God’s favor or figure out His will. He’s already given us everything we need through Jesus. He’s given us the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out His purposes. He’s given us a new heart, a heart that is capable of hearing Him and responding to His love.

The passage concludes with this beautiful thought: “…it is God who works in you both the willingness and the ability to do it!” Isn’t that incredible? God doesn’t just tell us what to do; He equips us to do it! He gives us the desire, the motivation, and the strength to carry out His plans. It’s not all up to us. It’s a partnership between us and God. He works in us, and we respond to His leading.

This is such an encouraging message! It reminds us that we are not alone on this journey. God is with us every step of the way, guiding us, empowering us, and loving us beyond measure. He’s made it so easy for us to know His will, not through complicated formulas or external pressures, but through the quiet whisperings of His Spirit within our hearts.

So, my friends, I encourage you to explore Moralisee.com and delve into the daily devotions. It’s a wonderful resource for connecting with God’s Word and reflecting on His love. Let’s all continue to seek Him with open hearts, trusting that He is leading us and equipping us for every good work He has called us to do. May we all grow in our understanding of His voice and our willingness to follow His promptings. God bless you all!