Red Lights And Green Lights (3)

Someone quipped about Christopher Columbus’ journey to discover America, ‘When he set out, he didn’t know where he was going. When he arrived, he didn’t know where he was. And when he returned home, he didn’t know where he’d been.’ We all need help knowing what direction to go; whether or not to relocate, take a certain job, commit to a relationship, etc. Good news! God will direct you, and when you make a wrong turn he will redirect you. Here are three ways in which He does it:

(1) Through wise counsel. Others have sat where you’re sitting: ‘Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.’ (Hebrews 13:7 NRSV) Is your business struggling? Talk to a successful business person. Are you experiencing a midlife crisis? Before doing something you’ll regret, ask for help. Solomon said, ‘The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.’ (Proverbs 12:15 NIV)

(2) Through prayer and listening for His voice. Jesus said, ‘My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.’ (John 10:27 NIV) And Isaiah writes, ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.”’ That’s the kind of assurance you need. So, ‘Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.’ (Philippians 4:6 CEV)

(3) Through Scripture. Paul says, ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.’ (Colossians 3:16 NKJV) One author observes: ‘The Bible is to God, what a surgical glove is to a surgeon. He reaches through it to touch deep within you.’ But that means reading it, personalising it, and acting on it.