How do you know the Lord's leading?

[Trapped]

I am currently in the middle of a situation where I genuinely do not know what to do. I have essentially two pathways - stay or leave. The Lord/the church is slightly involved in a peripheral way, but it is not an LC situation per se. That is to say, the situation is not whether I should stay in or leave the LC's.

My question is this: in scenarios where there is no Biblical principle or parallel to follow, and in a situation where neither pathway is a sin or immoral and right/wrong is not a factor, how do you know the Lord's leading?

As one who was raised a Christian but hasn't had much assured experience of the Lord's speaking, I am asking this of all my fellow Christians here on this forum. I have only had occasion to ask existing LC members this question and frankly their responses were wanting.

Regarding the Lord's speaking in a meeting one saint said "I sit there and listen to the brother and think to myself what could the Lord be saying to me in this message?"

Another one day told me "hello, the Lord doesn't actually speak to you" and then another day said, of their future spouse, "the Lord told me this was the one for me".....not realizing the irony in their two statements.

Another saint who had been in the LC's for decades and was in a position of certain responsibility said "I have never been able to get the Lord's speaking that way, what decision to take is just a matter of what makes sense, people say the Lord speaks to them but I haven't had that experience."

All of these answers blew my mind (not in a good way).

I have heard new ones who were strong Christians in other churches come in to the LC's and say "The Lord told me to come to the church in [locality]" but I never had a chance to ask what they meant exactly and how they were sure of that.

I know there is the matter of "what do you have the peace to do". For me in this particular scenario the answer is both and neither. Both scenarios entail equal pros and cons, none overly outweighing the other. I'm not sure if I would know "the peace" if it bit me in the backyard, honestly.

So here I'm less looking for LC commentary and more looking for people's genuine experiences/advice of how to know what the Lord's will is in these types of situations. The whole thing is so complicated, both pathways carry their own pluses and minuses, reliefs and distresses, I really just want to do what the Lord wants in this situation because I certainly cannot figure it out myself.

How do you know what the Lord's will is?

[byHismercy]

I feel for you, Trapped. I never know His will expressly either. My prayer moving forward in any situation where I have enough light to want to be in His will, but not enough to know what His will is.....my prayer is always that He guide my steps or direction by shutting the doors and opening the window....leaving me one path of travel (so to speak) and that be His will for my life. Tell Him you really want to know His will. Maybe He will tell you explicitely, in your spirit. Maybe He will work out all things for good for you, called according to His purpose. I know He is not limited by our concerns....if you simply put together all the facts of the situation, and choose according to your best human reasoning. He loves you! And it matters to Him concerning you! Ask Him for His opinon, then stick your face in the bible for an hour. I am always amazed at how He can shine into my oblivious head and heart! Let Gods' will be done in your choice.....in Jesus name I ask! Amen

[byHismercy]

Hey, I found a word for you....Psalm 16 v11...Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy, at Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Trapped, remember, He is faithful to His word!

[Evangelical]

To help us make choices about matters which are not clearly right/wrong or good/evil we have the indwelling and the anointing:

1. The indwelling (Romans 8:11)
2. The anointing (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27)

But a more practical answer as to how we can make choices is found in Romans 12:2 which says:

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

So if we want to make the right choice according to God's will, we need only do two things:

1) be not conformed to the world
2) be transformed by the renewing of our mind

The right choices will flow naturally from that. Before we were Christians we lived according to what the world wanted, mainly because our minds were not transformed. But after becoming Christians, we can live according to what God wants, by the renewing of our mind.

I think many Christians see their life as being independent of God's, such that they worry too much about whether they have made the right decision, or having made a decision, worry too much about whether God is pleased with it.

But in reality becoming a Christian is about God's life and our life becoming one life. So that when we make a decision, it is not as if we are always making it independently of God, or that we must always seek Him for every little thing. When the Lord transforms our mind, it is not just so we think the right things, but also so that we make the right choices because our mind is transformed to make choices that are pleasing to Him.

The Christian life is a life of cooperation with God. God may have a preference, but at times leave the choice up to us, so that whatever "seems good to us" is also good to Him (Acts 15:28).

And in case we still worry, we can trust that God is sovereign, we can make a choice by faith, a choice that seems good to us, with all the information we have available, and knowing that if we have made the wrong choice, God is still in control.

For every day of our lives is numbered in His book, such that there is no choice we could make that is unsurprising to Him, or that He has not already accounted for in the plan for our lives (Psalm 139).

This way of thinking about God's leading is quite different to that I have heard in churches I used to attend. "lay out the fleece before the Lord", drawing lots, seeking the Lord for a dream or vision, these are all biblical, but more Old Testament - Old Testament people did not have the indwelling Christ. These methods may still work at times, but what if we don't have time to seek the Lord's leading? What if we have to make a decision on the spur of the moment? What if we are with loved ones or in public and cannot find a quiet space to pray or time to wait for God's answer?

We must still seek the Lord in prayer, of course, but do we realize that the end goal of our praying is not just to get an answer to the thing we are unsure about, but the transformation of our minds, so that the decisions we will make will be the ones God wants us to make?

[Nell]

Hi Trapped,

What do you “want” to do? If you want to take a trip, for example, maybe He wants to take that trip.

Many times, when the situation is as you describe, I literally “take a step” in the direction I prefer. Not very spiritual. At the same time, my prayer is, “Lord, I don’t know what to do. I want to follow you. If you want to change my path, I will change with you, but for now, this is all I know to do.”

You might call it a leap of faith...or just one step. Make a decision, take a step, then trust He is guiding you. My prayer in the last year of change for me has been “Lord I will do whatever you want me to do.”

You asked for experience. This is mine. This is what I have practiced for many years, and I’m still here. Take one step, followed by another...and yes, sometimes a “backwards” step, but always a walk. The Christian “life” is a “walk”. Trying to “figure out” what to do didn’t work for me. Walking always works. I think that’s even Scriptural.

Hope this helps.

Nell

[OBW]

The answer may not really be so "spiritual" as some might think.

The answer may already be in front of you. It may simply be what you would rather do. If either choice is moral, righteous, not in contradiction to something clearly stated in the Bible, etc., then you have freedom. It is a theft of your freedom in Christ to come under attack for not arriving at some "sovereignly-ordained" response rather than simply taking the path you decide upon.

Even which job you take, where you will live, and who your spouse will be is not necessarily something predetermined for you (or predetermined as the "right choice") from the foundation of the earth. The key is to setting your mind and walking according to the Spirit. Take confidence that you will not go wrong in that.

I am not saying that the Spirit will cause you to go one way or the other where there is no obvious reason to care which one. But he might. Sometimes the decision is like being Jonah. But mostly it is not. If there is no compelling reason to reject one option, then you should be free to decide in a manner that maintains your peace within. Don't let the fact that you cannot define it as "God's will in his perfect time" cheat you of peace in your decision. I do not believe that you can find support for a predefined sovereign will of God with respect to every choice you will make. Man was created to bear the image of God, not to follow a script for a play that was written millennia ago. Your inability to "read" some part of that script is not a definer of your standing with God. Your belief in Him as evidenced by your continued following of Him (in the ways spoken of in scripture, not in whether to take the short way or the long way to the grocery store) is what matters.

[aron]

Originally Posted by byHismercy

Hey, I found a word for you....Psalm 16 v11...Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy, at Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.

This applies to Jesus, not us. See Peter's speech on Pentacost. Jesus alone is the Christ. Only inasmuch as "we see Jesus" a la Hebrews 2:9 can we begin to appropriate this word for ourselves. In the LC's me-first subjectivism there's a risk of displacing Christ. And the proof is when we're at a crossroads: if we've been looking at ourselves we get confused. Subjectivism no longer guides, and we'll have to go to ministry drones for direction.

Jesus' personal subjective experience, because of his steadfast obedience to the Father's will, remained tethered to objective reality. The rest of us, because of sin, should never trust our feelings and emotional responses. We are too easily deceived!

"I come to do Thy will, oh God, in the scroll of the book it is written concerning me" (Psa 40:7,8; Heb 10:9). Only Jesus claims the "I" and the "me" here. See John 8:29 for confirmation: "And the one who sent me is with me--he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him."

Watchman Nee's ministry of subjectivist "enjoyment" is a ruse to put us under "Deputy Gods" who are not gods at all, but fellow sinners like ourselves. Don't buy the lie.

[byHismercy]

Wow, Aron...I have read so many of your posts as to trust your view. But I don't know if I am fully understanding your perspective here. I have so much to learn, or I should say, relearn. I have just seen dispensationalism, and rightly dividing the word into who He was speaking to, Israel or the church....this seems to make complete sense to me, and I asked a pastor I trust and he agreed it was sound. What is your take? I am in the place where I am still just getting my bearings, in a sense, realizing the depth of deception I was in, and believed. I am excited to look into His word from this new perspective....

[aron]

Originally Posted by byHismercy

Wow, Aron...I have read so many of your posts as to trust your view. But I don't know if I am fully understanding your perspective here...

Yes this is my perspective. Not "truth" in some doctrinal/dogmatic sense. But it seems to be Peter's perspective (Acts 2:31), and Paul's as well(Acts 13:35).

Yet Lee (and others) felt that they could cut this off. They were free to see "Christ" in the windows of Noah's ark but not in the psalmist expressing fealty to God. Because, you know, the psalmist was a sinner. Yet neither Peter in Acts 2 nor Paul in Acts 13 took that route in interpreting Psalm 16 (which you quoted earlier, and I replied to).

Originally Posted by Evangelical

The first book of the Psalms comprises Psalms 1—41. We should not forget that in this first book there are seven psalms which speak concerning Christ: Psalm 2, Psalm 8, Psalm 16, Psalms 22—24, and Psalm 40. ~Life study of Psalms.

Why isn't the obedient man in Psalm 1 also Jesus Christ? Or the righteous man who obeys God and is rescued from death in Psalm 18? Or the man who has the power to lay his life down, and pick it up again, in Psalm 3, verse 5? (cf John 10:18) This righteous, obedient, and faithful man trusts in God, and is rewarded for his faith. This is the "faith of Christ" of Phil 3:9. "He (Christ) trusted in God; let Him (God) save Him (Christ) now" ~Psalm 22:8; Matt 27:43.

Why should we ignore this, and look at ourselves, wondering if we will make it, when Christ already has?

[byHismercy]

Originally Posted by aron

This applies to Jesus, not us. See Peter's speech on Pentacost. Jesus alone is the Christ. Only inasmuch as "we see Jesus" a la Hebrews 2:9 can we begin to appropriate this word for ourselves. In the LC's me-first subjectivism there's a risk of displacing Christ. And the proof is when we're at a crossroads: if we've been looking at ourselves we get confused. Subjectivism no longer guides, and we'll have to go to ministry drones for direction.

Jesus' personal subjective experience, because of his steadfast obedience to the Father's will, remained tethered to objective reality. The rest of us, because of sin, should never trust our feelings and emotional responses. We are too easily deceived!

"I come to do Thy will, oh God, in the scroll of the book it is written concerning me" (Psa 40:7,8; Heb 10:9). Only Jesus claims the "I" and the "me" here. See John 8:29 for confirmation: "And the one who sent me is with me--he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him."

Watchman Nee's ministry of subjectivist "enjoyment" is a ruse to put us under "Deputy Gods" who are not gods at all, but fellow sinners like ourselves. Don't buy the lie.

I know that I had fallen into that trap....I did believe the Lord could speak to me through the saints, and that was probably why, when our older, trusted christian friend decided not to speak to me anymore, and angrily let on that she was following the Holy Spirit to do so, it was really scary and confusing, and ultimately, so damaging....I really was wavering inwardly.....was God Himself done with me? Was I being punished by God? Was He displeased with me? Had I sinned in such a way as to interrupt my true fellowship with Him? All these questions came up, I was rocked, you could say. But as I sought to know His heart through the scriptures, He continued in fellowship with me. The LCers stopped having any communication with me, but He did not. Actually, as the weeks unfolded post shunning, He unveiled all the error in LC practice, doctrine, allegiance through His word. He assured me it was not He rejecting me. He never once stopped 'speaking' to me, but led me into light and away from the LSM lie....I read the Acts chapters and I see now what you were referring to.

[byHismercy]

Trapped, will you let us know how it works out for you?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by byHismercy

I know that I had fallen into that trap....I did believe the Lord could speak to me through the saints, and that was probably why, when our older, trusted christian friend decided not to speak to me anymore, and angrily let on that she was following the Holy Spirit to do so, it was really scary and confusing, and ultimately, so damaging....I really was wavering inwardly.....was God Himself done with me? Was I being punished by God? Was He displeased with me? Had I sinned in such a way as to interrupt my true fellowship with Him? All these questions came up, I was rocked, you could say. But as I sought to know His heart through the scriptures, He continued in fellowship with me. The LCers stopped having any communication with me, but He did not. Actually, as the weeks unfolded post shunning, He unveiled all the error in LC practice, doctrine, allegiance through His word. He assured me it was not He rejecting me. He never once stopped 'speaking' to me, but led me into light and away from the LSM lie....I read the Acts chapters and I see now what you were referring to.

ByHisMercy, so glad this fiery trial has only served to prove your faith, more precious than gold. (I Peter 1.6-7; 4.12-13)

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by byHismercy

I know that I had fallen into that trap....I did believe the Lord could speak to me through the saints, and that was probably why, when our older, trusted christian friend decided not to speak to me anymore, and angrily let on that she was following the Holy Spirit to do so, it was really scary and confusing, and ultimately, so damaging....I really was wavering inwardly.....was God Himself done with me? Was I being punished by God? Was He displeased with me? Had I sinned in such a way as to interrupt my true fellowship with Him? All these questions came up, I was rocked, you could say. But as I sought to know His heart through the scriptures, He continued in fellowship with me. The LCers stopped having any communication with me, but He did not. Actually, as the weeks unfolded post shunning, He unveiled all the error in LC practice, doctrine, allegiance through His word. He assured me it was not He rejecting me. He never once stopped 'speaking' to me, but led me into light and away from the LSM lie....I read the Acts chapters and I see now what you were referring to.

This reminds us how Roman Catholic church made people scare if they were excommunicated by Vatican. They could be cut off from fellowship with the Lord if they messed with so called authorities in Roman Catholic church. But after that Martin Luther reformed the Church situation and let people know that they can keep fellowship with God through the Bible. LSM still uses medieval method for brainwashing their LCers. I feel compassionate for little sheeps of Christ abused and tormented by these kinds of false teachings.

[Trusting]

Originally Posted by Igzy

Someone once said that "fear is often just the clanging echo of indecision." Just make up your mind and do... something. Like riding a bike, our souls were designed to operate at a certain cruising speed. Just get rolling and let the Lord guide you as you move. He is less concerned about the details of what we do that whether we are doing them in life, joy and peace, and its hard to have life, joy and peace when you are paralyzed by indecision.

I agree with this. Sometimes we tend to wait until the Lord gives you an exact Word or a very clear leading until we do something, but if we live like this, then we will always struggle to move forward in life. Like Igzy says, "Paralysis by analysis is not the Lord's way," or another way to say it, being too much in your mind and analysing every little detail before you decide and act is not the Lord's way.

This reminds me of Acts 16:6-7...

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

Another good verse is Proverbs 16:3...

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans

Another good verse is Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

And another great verse Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Base on these verses, here is my understanding of how to know the will of God for a certain situation.

1. Know God's will, which is given to us in the scriptures, and act according to His will.
2. When God's Word does not cover the situation you have (e.g. choosing a job), bring the situation or matter to the Lord in prayer
3. If there is a leading, follow that leading in faith, knowing that whatever you have committed to the Lord, he will establish your plans
4. If there is no specific leading, you have the freedom to decide, and unless the Spirit forbids you (no peace, uneasiness, etc.), then take whatever decision you make in faith, knowing that whatever you commit to the Lord, he will establish your plans and enjoy the ride.
5. Keep in fellowship with the Lord, as the Lord may adjust the way you are going if it seems like you are going the wrong direction.
6. Be assured that whatever decision you make, the Lord will always work things out for good to those who love Him.

Pray that this helps. Much blessings

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Trusting

Pray that this helps. Much blessings

Good advice. I would also add that fear and trepidation are not the Lord's way. Over and over in the Bible the Lord says, "Fear not, I am with you." This is an attitude of faith.

Fear and faith are mutually incompatible. One pushes against the other. Fear is insidious because it often produces the very results we are afraid of, thus confirming our fear in our minds, and a vicious circle ensues.

Someone once said that fear and faith both ask us to believe something about the future, but in very different ways.

The Lord was never sympathetic with a lack of faith. He was always very matter-of-fact about it. He would ask, "Why did you not believe?" The answer to our problems is in the answer to that question.

Note: This is not to say that we cannot "do it afraid." We are weak, but if we step out in faith in spite of our fear, the Lord will be with us.