How God Leads

One night during devotions when I was a high school student living in a Bible school dorm, a strong insistent voice began throwing accusations into my mind. I was so troubled that the next morning I told a teacher about the experience. 

She wisely counseled me concerning the difference between an impression from Satan and one from the Lord. "Often Satan will come with force," she cautioned, "but that is not God's way. Jesus' leading is gentle. You can recognize Him because He does not force or coerce but kindly speaks."

Christ leads us with patience and with tenderness, compelling us by love. "O love that will not let me go" is a phrase from a song that speaks of a drawing, not a driving force. Love is the compelling motivator of God. 

If the Holy Spirit is leading, we don't feel pressured but are allowed time to reflect. John 10:4 says "he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him." 

Jesus goes before to open a way, and we follow in His steps. If Jesus is leading, we do not need to insist on opening our own way. Riding roughshod over opposition usually is an indication that we're not walking in the Spirit. If the Lord goes before us, He will open doors, and we won't need to batter down barriers. Our spirits will be gentle, also, as we imitate the Spirit of God.

Thank You, Jesus, for being such a gentle and faithful Guide.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).