In what ways can we recognize God's guidance and protection in our lives? A Promise Worth Hearing “ ‘But if you indeed listen to His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.’ ” (Exodus 23:22) How the Verse Frames Guidance and Protection • “Listen to His voice” – guidance • “Do all that I speak” – obedience • “I will be an enemy to your enemies” – protection The pattern is simple: attentive obedience invites tangible, covenant-level care. Recognizing His Guidance – Signs the Shepherd Is Leading • Scripture that lights the next step (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6) • An inner nudge from the Spirit that agrees with the written Word (John 10:27; Romans 8:14) • Wise counsel that confirms direction (Proverbs 11:14) • Providential circumstances lining up in ways we couldn’t script (Acts 16:6-10) • A settled peace, not the absence of risk but the presence of assurance (Colossians 3:15) Recognizing His Protection – Evidence the Warrior Is Fighting for Us • Rescues from danger we see—and many we never notice (Psalm 91:11; 2 Kings 6:17) • Doors He shuts that would have harmed us, and doors He opens that further His plan (Revelation 3:7-8) • Strength to stand under temptation rather than collapse (1 Corinthians 10:13) • Opposition that fizzles because the battle shifted to His hands (Exodus 14:13-14; Romans 8:31) • Unexplainable peace even when conflict still rages (Philippians 4:7) Everyday Indicators We’re Under His Wing • Growing love for His Word and quick conviction when we drift • The fruit of the Spirit increasing rather than sporadic (Galatians 5:22-23) • Gratitude replacing grumbling even in hard seasons (1 Thessalonians 5:18) • Stories piling up of “Only God could have arranged that” Our Part – Staying in Position to Receive 1. Start each day by listening—open Bible, open heart. 2. Obey promptly; delayed obedience muddies guidance. 3. Speak His truth back in prayer and conversation; it tunes the ear. 4. Reject shortcuts that bypass His commands; they unplug protection. 5. Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly to restore fellowship (1 John 1:9). Living the Promise When we choose attentive obedience, the Lord guides with clarity and guards with power. The more we notice His hand, the more confidently we follow, and the richer the testimony that “He has been an enemy to my enemies and an ally to my obedience.” |
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