The Case for Divine Guidance

We propose four lines of argument from Scripture that reinforce the traditional view that God does indeed have a plan for each of us, a preference about many of the choices we make and a commitment to bring about his special purpose in each life.

Divine guidance, according to the traditional view, is one of the Christian’s deepest needs and highest privileges. What is the biblical evidence?

The general tenor of Scripture

od’s sovereign purpose - God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are crucial doctrines for understanding guidance, but reconciling them has been a great source of confusion and controversy. Scripture is clear that God is in charge and knows where he is going.

The nature of prayer - Prayer is a primary means for us to receive from God his promised wisdom and power as well as the needed resources to accomplish his purposes in the world James 5 16

James 5:16 ESV

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

The role of the Holy Spirit -The role of the Holy Spirit includes the task of guidance.

The Holy Spirit is God’s imperative of life.

A. W. Tozer

The text discusses how the Bible portrays God's interest in guiding people even in nonmoral matters, emphasizing examples from both the Old and New Testaments.

Our great matters are little to His power; our little matters are great to His love.

—D. L. Moody

Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist)

It highlights instances where God intervened in seemingly insignificant decisions, such as where Israel encamped or whom Isaac married.

The text also explores how Jesus, as depicted in the New Testament, followed God's guidance in various aspects of his life, serving as a model for believers.

It suggests that these examples are meant to show God's way of working and that divine guidance is not limited to a select few but is available to all.

God’s providential working in our lives is both a delight and a mystery. God is constantly working with us Mk 16 23 , in us (Phil. 2:12–13), and for us (Rom. 8:28) and accomplishing His gracious purposes.

Warren W. Wiersbe