God Leads Us

Last time I was up here, we talked about Moses and the burning bush.

God called Moses to an incredible mission – to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses didn’t feel ready. He made excuses, doubted himself, and even asked God to send someone else.

However, God’s response was simple: “I will be with you.”

The lesson was clear: Trusting God means saying “yes” to His plans, even when we feel unworthy or afraid.

But the story doesn’t end there. Just like with Moses our story doesn’t end just because we say “yes” to God’s plans.

Oftentimes, we find ourselves in a situation where we have no idea where to go?

Its never fun feeling lost, right?

Today, we’re talking about how God leads us, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Moses was successful. The Israelites were finally free after 400 years, but where were they supposed to go now?

Ex. 13:21-22

Why fire?

Was it brightness? Warmth? Comfort and protection?

Fire does symbolize God’s strength

It reminds us that following God isn’t just about knowing where to go – it’s about knowing who is leading us.

We may not have a literal pillar of fire to follow today, that doesn’t mean God isn’t guiding us.

So how does God guide us today?

First, we have God’s word.

The Bible is like both a map and a compass.

A map because it lets you to navigate the world with wisdom. A compass because it always points you in the right direction and shows you how to use wisdom even when the way is unclear.

Acts 17:11 “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Second, God leads us through His Holy Spirit.

All who believe in Jesus and His work on the cross have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When we pray and seek God, He speaks to our hearts, giving us direction.

Acts 16:6–7 “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.”

Instead, God led them to Macedonia, where they shared the Gospel with Lydia and others.

When we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can be sure that we are walking in God’s will!

Lastly, God guides us by using other Christians in our lives.

God often uses parents, pastors, and Christian friends to help guide us.

Acts 9:26–27 “And when he [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.”

They questioned whether his conversion from a Christian killer to an actual Christian was real!

Another Christian in Paul’s life was able to guide not only the other believers to do the right thing, but he was also able to shape Paul’s own journey.

God uses His Word, the Holy Spirit, other believers, and our circumstances to guide us.

Sometimes, doors open or close in ways that show us where God wants us to go.

God can even use our circumstances.

Take Philip, for example in Acts 8:26-40. He was on a journey when an angel told him to go to the desert road. There, he met an Ethiopian official who needed to hear about Jesus. Philip knew exactly how to share the Gospel with this Ethiopian official. He was able to teach him – straight from the Book of Isaiah – that Jesus is the long- awaited Savior that we all need.

When our hearts are in tune with God, and an opportunity arises to glorify Him, He will lead us to do it!

And when God leads you to do something for Him, He will always be there to help you accomplish it.

The bottom line of the message: Trusting God means following Him, even when the path is unclear.

Sometimes, we want God to spell everything out in advance. But faith means trusting God step by step, even when we can’t see the whole picture ...just like the Israelites did in the wilderness.