Are you looking for guidance in your life? Are you overwhelmed with what you need to do? Remember, God progressively guides us. I believe guidance best comes one step at a time. We become frustrated and overwhelmed when we get too many steps at one time. Fortunately, the Lord guides us one step at a time. He is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. Without a shepherd the sheep wander and as people we are much the same way.
God Progressively Guides Us Along our Journey
The Lord, as the Good Shepherd, guides us to still water and green pastures each day. The sheep must rely on the Shepherd to progressively guide them to food and water each day. Peter was in prison because of his faith in Jesus and note how the angel progressively guided him like a shepherd would guide his sheep.
Acts 12:6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.
8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel.
But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. [1]
Step by step the angel instructed Peter what to do. The angel did not give Peter all the instructions at first, but what he needed each step of the way.
The Lord Guides Us by His Word and the Holy Spirit
God’s primary means of progressively guiding us is through His Word. The Lord’s word is true, and His guidance will never contradict His word. Psalm 119:105“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. [2] Notice the lamp shows only a short distance ahead, but it is all you need.
I have learned over time when I take time to read, study and meditate on God’s word, I receive the ongoing direction for my life I desire. It is truly a lamp. The opposite is also true. It is when I spend less time with the Lord that I get off the trail. That is like walking in the dark when your light goes out.
Jesus also tells in John 16:13 that as believers we have the Holy Spirit that will guide is into all truth. Whatever decisions you may face today let God’s word and the Holy Spirit guide you. Trust Him to lead you on his path of righteousness as He unfolds the plans He has for your life on a progressive basis. To hear how God progressively guides us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-release-for-peter
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.