Job 38—40, Acts 16:1—21 • Key Verses: Acts 16:9—10
A sure way to end an argument is to say, “I believe it is God’s will.” Who can argue with that?
Even Peter used it when he said in his defense, “Who was I to think that I could oppose God?”
(Acts 11:17).
Sensitivity to the leading of God in our lives is important. Paul and those traveling with him
demonstrated such in Acts 16:6-10. In those verses we find these phrases: “kept by the Holy
Spirit from preaching,” “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” and “concluding that God
had called us.” Paul obviously was attuned spiritually to the unseen reality of God’s moving in
his life. And he was obedient; he did what he believed God wanted him to do.
The verses do not say he followed his feelings. One of the dangers of the spiritual life is
confusing feelings with the leading of the Spirit. There is a huge difference—one is right, the
other wrong. Discerning the difference should be a significant concern to us.
Feelings can often lead us to accomplish our will, while leading directs us to God’s will. Perhaps
we best begin sorting feelings from leadings by honestly examining our motivation.
Upon close review, it may become evident that what we are calling God’s will is actually our
want. Yes, there can be times when what we want is God’s will as well. Yet this may be a
significant test, helping us discern the difference between His will and our wants.
“God, help me not only to pray, ‘Not my will but Thine, but also to know clearly the difference.”
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in