Resources/Articles
Guidance
Augustine said of himself that he was nothing but “a guide to his own downfall.” God helped man to see the same about himself in Jeremiah 10:23: “The way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” It was Philip who asked the Ethiopian eunuch, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” The eunuch responded by asking, “How can I except some one shall guide me?” (Acts 8:30,31). The children of Israel would have never reached the promised land were it not for the guidance of a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21,22). Jesus knew truth needed the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Students in school need guidance counselors to help establish their course in high school, find a college to attend, or deal with a crisis at home or school. No one seems to be without the need for guidance. WHY?
Man is utterly inadequate for coping with the issues and problems of living. Man does not know everything. however much he learns, there is always far more he does not know. Therefore, should we not resort to a more perfect and complete direction rather than guessing all through life as to which church is the right church, how to raise children, what are the responsibilities of husband and wife, and what is the plan of salvation?
God’s wisdom and knowledge is infinite and absolutely perfect. His ways are higher than ours. Can we not humbly accept His way of life? Will we let Him direct our path? Are we able to successfully guide ourselves into the gates of heaven?
To God no problem is baffling, no question is unanswerable, and no situation too difficult to cope with. He has promised us unwavering and untiring guidance through decisions related to job, family, and church, sickness and disease, persecution and mockery, sorrow and grief, and prosperity and success. “I will never leave thee, neither will I in any way forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). This is His promise. His love is endless. His grace is abundant. His power to hold us up never weakens.
Guidance in the area of salvation cannot be left to chance. Attending a church is not a matter of drawing straws. A good marriage is more than picking the first one that comes along. Good children do not “just happen.” Success does not come on a silver platter. Love, patience, and joy are not genetically acquired. Heaven is not a place you dream about. What we need is guidance! May we petition God with the words of a song: “Guide me O thou, great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land.”
