ODJ: feel
February 7, 2011
We don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words (Romans 8:26).
READ: Proverbs 3:1-8
My friend has a habit of asking God for signs. In doing so, His prayers tend to seek confirmation of his feelings, as in “God, if You want me to do ‘X,’ then please do ‘Y,’ and I’ll know it’s OK.”
Not surprisingly, this has created a dilemma. For my friend feels that he should get back with his ex-girlfriend, based on the way he prays. His ex, on the other hand, feels strongly that God has told them not to get back together. Ah, feelings.
Jesus told the religious leaders of His day: “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign” (Matthew 16:4). But He wasn’t making a blanket statement to prevent anyone from seeking God’s guidance. Rather, Jesus was accusing them of ignoring the clear prophecies that told them He was the Messiah.
Proverbs gives us an abundance of direct signs as to how to live our lives. Solomon, who wrote most verses in the book, gave these instructions to his son: “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you” (3:3). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (v.5). To drive his point home, Solomon concluded: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (v.7).
God wants us to seek His guidance in prayer (James 1:5). He has given us the instruction of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) and His Word, the Bible (1 Thessalonians 2:13). He gives us mentors and wise leaders. He’s also given us the ultimate example seen in Jesus (Philippians 2:4-5).
It’s wise to ask God for clear direction. But our prayers should never be formulaic attempts to manipulate God. Real Christianity is not a system; it’s a relationship with Jesus Himself. —Tim Gustafson
How do you seek God’s guidance? Are your prayers sometimes attempts to manipulate Him? How well are you obeying God’s Word?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODJ: the humanitarian veterinarian
May 19, 2010 Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to (v.6). READ: Philippians 2:1-11 Steve Goldsmith is a veterinarian who performs humanitarian work in difficult locations around the world. It’s humanitarian work because in poverty-stricken regions healthy animals can spell the difference between life [...]
ODJ: active faith
September 16, 2011 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works (v.26). READ: James 2:14-26 Did you know that?!” When my student responded with disbelief at what he had learned in researching his social justice project, my heart leapt with excitement. Teaching in a private prep school, I [...]
ODJ: gone home
June 2, 2011 Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go! (v.11). READ: Acts 1:1-11 One of my favorite movies is the 1982 science fiction blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The movie ends with an emotional scene as E.T. says goodbye to [...]
ODJ: clear, pure water
January 30, 2012 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me!” (v.37). READ: John 7:37-39 A tall, cold glass of water. The condensation on the glass cools my hand. Clear, pure, colourless, odourless; free of man-made chemicals and corruption. I [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
Thanks 4 sharing your insight into this. I’ve been on how i get clear directions from God. I’m confused about it.
My dad taught me that my primary and final authority always must be The Word of God. Any “sign” you feel you have received- be it through a dream, a vision, a prophetic word or whatever it might be, must be in line with God’s Word or it ain’t from God. Christians ought not to depend on signs- though God sometimes may choose to use signs to speak to us- but even that, The Word of God must confirm it. That’s why it’s important to be a good student of The Word. There are many false prophets out there deceiving people who appear to be desperate for “signs and wonders”. – My prayer is for us all as Children of God, to study and know what God has said in His Word.
Thank you!! Your explanation really helped me.
Thank you for reminding me that ” Real Christianity is not a system; it’s a relationship with Jesus Himself.” I’m so blessed. And so are you.