How can we discern God's guidance in our lives, like Joseph did? Setting the Scene: Joseph’s Moment of Guidance “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt” (Matthew 2:19). This simple sentence is packed with living truth: God actively speaks, His timing is perfect, and His servants can recognize His voice. The same God who directed Joseph still guides His people today. Pattern 1: Live Ready to Hear Joseph did not manufacture dreams; he positioned himself to receive. • A clean conscience and a surrendered will make room for God’s whisper (Psalm 25:9). • Regular communion in Scripture tunes the inner ear: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • New-covenant promise: “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27). Pattern 2: Test Every Impression by Scripture God’s voice never contradicts His written Word. • The angel’s instruction harmonized with earlier prophecy (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15). • We measure dreams, promptings, and counsel by clear biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). • “Do not despise prophecies, but test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Pattern 3: Obey Promptly and Completely Joseph’s trademark was immediate action (Matthew 1:24; 2:14). • Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience (James 4:17). • “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • Obedience clarifies future guidance; each step of faith opens the next door (John 7:17). Pattern 4: Trust God’s Timing and Providence The angel appeared “after Herod died.” God’s directive came at the precise moment danger lifted. • “For everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). • He directs both internal promptings and external circumstances (Proverbs 16:9). • Waiting is not wasted time; it refines trust (Isaiah 30:18, 21). Pattern 5: Walk in Righteousness Daily Joseph was called “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). Ongoing holiness keeps spiritual senses sharp. • “If anyone resolves to do His will, he will know” (John 7:17). • The Holy Spirit leads the obedient: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Practical Takeaways for Today • Immerse yourself in Scripture; let it set the boundaries for every decision. • Cultivate a prayerful, listening heart—write down impressions, verses, and repeated themes. • Invite the Spirit to search you and remove anything that dulls hearing (Psalm 139:23-24). • Evaluate guidance through the lenses of Scripture, godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22), and providential doors. • Act promptly when clarity comes, trusting God to steer a moving servant more easily than a stationary one (Romans 12:1-2). |
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