Knowing the Voice of God

Chapter 4: Heading in the Wrong Direction

In this topic it has been noted that there exists diverse methods of seeking God’s guidance which God Himself has forbidden the believers from attempting. Some of the were used in the old testament e.g. the casting of lots and use of fleece (which is mentioned only once). These methods are summarized into two groups:

1. The occult which comprises any ‘supernatural endeavors’ which are devoid of the One True God. These include witchcraft, sorcery, palm reading, cards,

2. The Chance Methods: These include casting of lots, using fleeces or seeking signs, consulting false prophets, wrong counsel and emulation.

NB:

• Though casting of lots was once used in the New Testament for selection of Mathias to join the apostles it was prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit and it led to selection one who was not the will of the Holy Spirit as was evidenced eventually when the Holy Spirit selected and used Apostle Paul greatly while Mathias was not mentioned further in the book of Acts.

• In the New Testament a believer is expected to be led by the Holy Spirit. Prophecies in the New Testament are for confirmation and not direction and believers are not to seek out prophecies. Believers are to seek God for His will and not follow the wrong counsel of others. Equally, emulation which includes copying others and competing with them to be equal or excel above them only lead to promotion of human traditions and may hinder revelation.

• God has specific plans for each believer and hence one ought to seek God specifically for his path in life and in ministry as opposed to copying other people or even other ministers’ specific directions from God.