God\'s Guidance By Major. Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:12-17).
Introduction:
God, in His infinite wisdom, provides guidance to safeguard and direct His people toward His intended path.
Often, in the rush of life, we neglect or dismiss His instructions, choosing instead to rely on our own understanding.
This approach, however, leads to destruction.
This article delves into the importance of following God’s guidance, the dangers of self-reliance, and the blessings that flow from obedience and gratitude toward Him.
God’s Guidance: A Path to Life.
When God provides direction, it is not to restrict but to protect us.
His instructions are given to keep us from harm and ensure we remain on the path to life.
Proverbs reminds us:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Relying on our own understanding leads to spiritual death.
Neglecting God’s guidance is akin to discarding a map in a treacherous journey—it leaves us vulnerable to danger.
Those who abandon God's wisdom and follow their own desires often fall prey to destruction.
As the Bible warns:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).
The Danger of Self-Reliance:
Many begin their walk with God, but along the way, they stray due to pride or self-reliance.
These individuals forsake God’s guidance, only to find themselves ensnared by darkness and ultimately led to destruction.
God’s instructions are not just for us but also for the generations that follow.
By walking in His ways, we secure not only our lives but also the future of our children.
As the psalmist declares:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
When we ignore God’s guidance, we expose ourselves and our loved ones to unnecessary harm.
Walking in obedience brings life, while disobedience leads to death.
The Power of Gratitude and Praise:
Gratitude is the key to unlocking God’s blessings.
When we acknowledge His mercy, love, and goodness, we align ourselves with His will. The Bible emphasizes the power of praise:
"The Lord inhabits the praises of His people" (Psalm 22:3).
Praising God is not merely an act of worship but a weapon against spiritual enemies.
Many victories are lost because we fail to praise God genuinely.
The enemy despises the presence of God, which dwells in the praises of His people.
When we lift His name and give Him glory, we experience breakthroughs and triumphs.
As the psalmist encourages:
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name" (Psalm 100:4).
Conclusion:
God’s guidance is an expression of His love and care for His people.
It shields us from harm, steers us toward righteousness, and secures blessings for us and future generations.
To reject His guidance is to forfeit life itself.
Let us embrace God’s instructions with gratitude, knowing that His ways lead to life and peace.
As we walk in obedience and offer Him praise, we will witness His victories in our lives.
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17).
May we commit to living under God’s guidance, walking in gratitude, and lifting His name in praise, trusting that He will lead us into life and abundance.
Victory is certain for those who obey and honor Him!
