We Christians regularly call upon God for guidance. We find ourselves in a situation and want to know what to do so we pray. We want to do the right thing and not miss God’s will. So, how, exactly, does God guide us? Let’s look at this important topic over the next two weeks.Let’s be honest though, not everyone, not even Christians, always want God’s guidance or to know God’s will. Seeking God’s guidance, at times, can seem scary to us. Why? Because we are afraid His answer will interfere with our own plans or lead us where we don’t want to go.

Following God’s guidance can sometimes lead to danger or even death. God’s will for Jesus was to go to the cross. David sought God’s guidance. It was God’s will for David to lose his child for his sins of adultery and murder. And Paul, after conversion, was in the center of God’s will and sought His guidance and yet he suffered tremendously at times. He was stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, cold, and hungry. Read II Corinthians 11:21-19.

Sometimes we get God’s guidance without asking. We know exactly what God’s will is and we just don’t want to do it. Remember a guy named Jonah? God told him to go to Ninevah. Jonah thought about it and said, “Naaaah. I don’t think so. I prefer Tarshish. (Jonah 1:1-3, Barker paraphrase).”

In all the examples we just mentioned, good came through each person’s obedience. Jesus was resurrected and glorified. Paul led many to Christ and wrote most of the New Testament and Jonah’s obedience to God led to the repentance of a nation.

There is a condition to knowing God’s will and receiving His guidance. John 7:16,17 says: So Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. God will reveal His will to us IF we are predisposed to obeying Him.

If we have the attitude that we will decide whether or not to obey Him only after we hear what He says, then we will probably be led astray by our own will or be deceived by Satan. If God tells us to go to Ninevah, we better be willing to go to Ninevah. Get that passport and pack those bags!

I do believe God will guide us. In fact, I know He will. Scriptures clearly reveal that God hears us, answers us, and will guide us if we are open to His will. I believe God leads us in several ways, four by my count.

I came up with a simple technique that will help us remember the four ways in which God leads His people. All you need to do is remember this: P.A.W.S. Think of an animal with large paws. Next week, I will share what each letter stands for. Each one represents one of the ways God guides us. See if you can figure it out.