How can we discern God's guidance in leadership decisions today? setting the scene in 1 Samuel 9 • “When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, ‘Here is the man of whom I spoke to you; he shall rule over My people.’” (1 Samuel 9:17) • God had already prepared Samuel’s heart with prior revelation (vv. 15-16). • As soon as Saul appeared, the Lord confirmed, in real time, that this was the chosen leader. • The moment captures a timeless pattern: the Lord speaks, the servant listens, and leadership is set in place. principles for discerning god’s guidance today 1. stay tuned to god’s voice through his word • Scripture remains the primary channel of divine guidance (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Leaders who soak in the Word gain “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Regular reading positions us, like Samuel, to recognize God’s prompt when it comes. 2. cultivate a listening heart in prayer • “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). • Prayer isn’t a formality; it’s dialogue. Samuel was already in listening posture (1 Samuel 3:10). • James 1:5—“if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” Leadership decisions belong in that request. 3. value spiritual confirmation and counsel • Samuel received personal confirmation, then later publicly anointed Saul (10:1). • In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit spoke while the church worshiped together: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul.” • Wise counsel from mature believers guards us from self-deception (Proverbs 15:22). 4. watch for providential circumstances • Saul’s lost donkeys (9:3-4) seemed random, yet God used them to bring him to Samuel. • Proverbs 16:9—“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • Doors opening or closing are not accidents; they can underscore or redirect what God is already whispering through His Word and Spirit. 5. evaluate character and calling • God chose “a man after His own heart” in David when Saul later failed the character test (1 Samuel 13:14). • 1 Timothy 3:1-7 gives clear traits for church leaders—temperate, respectable, able to teach, etc. • Gifting matters, but integrity anchors the decision. putting it together • Immerse yourself daily in Scripture; let it shape your thinking. • Pray specifically for wisdom and remain quiet long enough to hear. • Invite trusted believers to weigh in; look for harmonious confirmation. • Note the circumstances God arranges—He’s sovereign over every “lost donkey.” • Measure candidates (or yourself) by biblical character standards, not merely by skill. Following these steps positions us, like Samuel, to recognize God’s unmistakable “Here is the one” when leadership choices arise today. |
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