The book below is available in paperback books & printable downloads: 2nd Edition, completely revised beyond online 2004 first edition. 2008 version at a donation price.
4. THROUGH WISE COUNSEL God may lead us through the council of somebody particularly through godly people; For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure,” Proverbs 11:14. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice,” Proverbs 12:15. Paul was inspired by God to write two long letters to guide and council Timothy on his calling (1 Timothy and 2 Timothy). God led Timothy through the wise counsel of Paul. 5. THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES AND OPPORTUNITIES God does manipulate natural circumstances to show what he is saying to one or a group of people. He makes all things including circumstances to work to the good of his children (Romans 8:28). He ensures that everything works to conform with his will. “In him we are also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will,” (Ephesians 1:11). God opens doors for us on matters in our lives at his right time, with his right people for us, in his right environment for us, and for his right purpose for our lives. He has a program already set up for every matter in our lives. “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). When we are submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit we become very sensitive to the program God has for us to follow. We’re able to see in circumstances when he opens a door and wants us to go ahead on an issue. For example, Paul was fully submitted to God that he understood his leading very well. At one point God opened a door for him to proclaim the gospel in Ephesus. He was able to understand what God was saying. He said, “A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me,” 1 Corinthians 16:9. Circumstances, whether good or bad always have something to show us on what God is saying on certain matters. In conjunction with one or more other avenues that God speaks – particularly prayer and the word, we’ll be able to be amazed at how God works both good and bad circumstances to our good. Sometimes he says “no” through circumstances. Sometimes he says “yes” through them. However, as already emphasized, we must not draw conclusions from circumstances alone. They must be in conjunction with one or more other avenues – particularly prayer and the word. Otherwise we will be behaving like the rest of the world. More content available in the Second Edition of the book: Click here to acquire it Book on hearing from God:- Hearing from God: How to Hear God’s Voice in Your Life © 2008 Eric Gondwe |