By Bishop David Oyedepo
WELCOME to another exciting week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: Examining Keys to Divine Direction!
From Scriptures, we understand that God is ready to guide our paths in life. It is written, And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16). However, there are certain conditions that must be met before we can be divinely directed. As it is written, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). God does not just lead everybody on the earth; He leads only His sheep. Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). Certain keys must be put in place for us to enjoy divine direction.
What are the Keys to Divine Direction?
- Be His Son: Before we can be led by God, we must be born again. As it is written, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). We need to be born of the Spirit because a spiritually dead man cannot perceive the things of God. The Bible says, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). God only leads His sons, not the sons of the devil. Thus, accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour is the ticket for divine direction.
- Meekness: We need a meek spirit to be directed by God. David said in Psalm 25:9, The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. This means meekness of heart must be in place before God can show us His ways; which are higher than ours. The Bible described Moses as the meekest man of all men on the earth and so, he had access to the ways of God. The Bible records, Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3; see also Psalm 103:7). Thus, there cannot be meekness without the fear of the Lord (Psalm 25:12).
- Faith: We need faith to be directed by God. Paul said, For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Divine direction is not for those who walk by sight but for those who will trust God to lead them aright. It is faith that makes a man seek God for divine direction. For it is written, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). The reward of those who diligently seek God is divine direction.
- Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: A continuous fellowship with the Holy Spirit is another requirement that must be met if we desire divine direction. As it is written, But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things (1 John 2:20; see also John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is to show us the things to come; but before He can do that, we must first know Him and enjoy communion with Him. We also have to be conscious of His indwelling presence in us because the Holy Spirit is a Person; we can talk to Him, ask Him questions and seek His help.
- Quietness: We need quietness to enjoy divine direction. Not just a quiet outer environment but much more a quiet spirit. Avoid a rowdy spirit for God is a Spirit and He communicates with our Spirit. The Bible says, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Since our fellowship with God is in the spirit, we need to create quietness around us so we can have a sweet fellowship with the Father where He can instruct us in the way to go (Isaiah 30:15). Also, great strength is released to us when we are quiet, as a calm spirit enhances hearing from God (1 Kings 19:11-12).
- Walk in Love: Walking in love opens us up to the secrets of God. This is a condition in which we live without malice, anger and we are relaxed with others, loving them unconditionally. We also need to embrace liberty of the spirit and one of its manifestations is walking in love. It is written, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). Our conscience must be free from all manner of entanglements; including disobedience which quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
- Be Open: We need openness of heart for divine direction. This implies that we should not be set in our own ways like concrete. We must be willing to adjust to God’s instructions if they contradict our actions. For it is written, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3-4). Therefore, we should keep a sensitive and tender heart before God (2 Chronicles 16:9). We should allow God to direct our path for He knows it better than us (Proverbs 16:9).
- Worship/Praise: This must become our lifestyle if we must enjoy constant direction. As it is written, But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel (Psalm 22:3). Thus, His voice of direction will come clearly to us when we give Him the praises that His heart loves.
In summary, these keys will only manifest when you are born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: In pursuit of Vision, Following The Path Of The Eagle, The Breakthrough Power of Vision and Understanding Divine Direction.
I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have three services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. respectively. Also, you can join our live services via Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @Davidoyedepomin, Instagram: davidoyedepomin, YouTube: Domi Stream, Hebron 95.9 FM, Winners World App, Impact Africa TV (on Startimes and NigComSat), Domi Radio and via the Church Satellite. I know this teaching has blessed you.
Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: dphprints@gmail.com